Quinoa: Food Politics and Agrarian Life in the Andean Highlands (Interp Culture New Millennium)

Quinoa’s new status as a superfood has altered the economic fortunes of Quechua farmers in the Andean highlands. Linda J. Seligmann journeys to the Huanoquite region of Peru to track the mixed blessings brought about by the surging worldwide popularity of this “exquisite grain.” Focusing on how Indigenous communities have confronted globalization, Seligmann examines the influence of food politics, development initiatives, and the region’s agrarian history on present-day quinoa production among Huanoquiteños. She also looks at the human stories behind these transformations, from the work of quinoa brokers to the ways Huanoquite’s men and women navigate the shifts in place and power occurring in their homes and communities. Finally, Seligmann considers how the consequences of nearby mining may impact Huanoquiteños’ ability to farm quinoa and thrive in their environment, and the efforts they are taking to resist these threats to their way of life. The untold story behind the popular health food, Quinoa illuminates how Indigenous communities have engaged with the politics and policies surrounding their production of a traditional and minor crop that became a global foodstuff. "Quinoa's new status as a superfood has altered the economic fortunes of Quechua farmers in the Andean highlands. Linda Seligmann journeys to the Huanoquite region of Peru to track the mixed blessings brought about by the surging worldwide popularity of the "exquisite grain." Focusing on how Indigenous communities have confronted globalization, Seligmann examines the influence of food politics, development initiatives, and agrarian history on present-day quinoa production among the Huanoquiteños. She also looks at the human stories behind the transformation, from the work of quinoa brokers to the ways Huanoquite's men and women navigate the shifts in place and power occurring in the home and their communities. Finally, Seligmann considers how the environmental consequences of mining may impact the Huanoquiteños' ability to farm quinoa and maintain their established way of life. The untold story behind the popular health food, Quinoa illuminates how Indigenous communities have engaged with the politics and policies surrounding their production of a once-traditional, now-global product"-- Provided by publisher Cover TItle Copyright Contents Acknowledgments List of Acronyms and Initialisms Introduction: Quinoa Prospects Part One. Backstories: Land Struggles, the Allure of Infrastructure, and Development Desires in Huanoquite 1. Agrarian Reform, Revolution, and Reversals 2. The Power and Seduction of Infrastructure 3. Contesting Development, Alternative Paths Part Two. Soup and Superfood: The Politics of Quinoa Production and Consumption 4. The Expansion of Quinoa Production 5. Food Sovereignty, Food Security, and Sustainability 6. To Be Strong and Healthy 7. Voracious Consumption Conclusion: Pragmatic Spirituality and Quinoa Desires Notes References Index Back cover