Gender Roles and Native Potato Diversity Management in Highland Communities of Peru

Crop diversity contributes to yield stability and nutrition security is valued for its potential use in breeding improved varieties adaptation future climates. Women across the globe contribute biodiversity conservation, and, Central Andes region, cradle of potato diversity, rural women play a vital role management wealth native diversity. To examine how gender roles traditions influence agricultural conservation practices male female custodians we undertook qualitative study eight farming communities high Andes, Pasco region Peru. This article reviews crop practices, farmer motivations conserving that agrobiodiversity plays family diets economies, support situ by external actors. It examines norms limit fully benefit from argues more gender-responsive approaches empower both men, enable overcome barriers, inclusive, community-based ensures long-term contribution community development well-being.