尼加拉瓜發展藜麥產業之研究

Abstract

Abstract Quinoa has been promoted by FAO as the crop of the future because it possesses high resilience capacities to grow, adapt and maintain productivity under difficult climatic conditions, and is a highly nutritional food. It is estimated that 42% of the population in Nicaragua lives under general poverty and 61% belong to the rural area, which is integrated by small farm holders, with reduced incomes, low productivity, small access to land, and high vulnerability to natural disaster. Additionally, the country has been ranked 4th as more vulnerable to climate change. Thus, the need to close the inequality gap between the rural and the urban population with strategies that focus on the development of the rural areas should be the number one priority. The process of developing a more resilient and productive agriculture to guarantee food security require many transformations. This thesis attempts to examine the feasibility of developing Quinoa industry in Nicaragua as a strategy to improve food security, reduce climate change impact, and increase farmers’ incomes. To examine the feasibility of growing the crop in Nicaragua, there are many important factors to consider such as the agro-climatic requirements, market conditions, production cost, and a SWOT analysis. Finally, strategies to develop quinoa industry are proposed. The study´s results have provided positive feedback and evidence that support the development of this industry in Nicaragua.