In the northern Amazon of Bolivia, the community of El Chorro relies on the Brazil nut as the cornerstone of its economy and cultural identity. For generations, families have depended on the seasonal harvest, known locally as zafra, which runs from December to March, to sustain their livelihoods. Marcia Zela Tuno, president of the El Chorro Amazon Nut Collectors Association, exemplifies the resilience of both the forest and the women leading efforts to preserve it.
Marcia, born near the heart of the community, carries deep knowledge of harvesting, cracking, and processing Brazil nuts, a skill she is passing on to her children. Despite two of her four children studying at universities outside the community, they return annually to support the harvest. The work is physically demanding and carries risks such as cuts, snake bites, and falling branches, prompting the community to organize and improve their practices for safety and efficiency.
Through the association, El Chorro has formalized organic collection practices and certified its Brazil nuts, while upgrading tools, processing methods, and transport systems. These improvements have reduced risks, increased income, and reinforced the community’s commitment to sustainable forest management. Motorbikes and small vehicles now replace the carrying of heavy loads, easing labor and supporting broader sustainability goals.
The AMAS 1 program, supported by the Joint SDG Fund and implemented by WFP, FAO, ILO, IFAD, and the Bolivian government, is strengthening food systems and livelihoods in Amazonian communities, with a focus on women and youth. The initiative promotes diversified agriculture, financial education, green jobs, and climate-resilient production, helping families improve nutrition, self-sufficiency, and economic stability.
Marcia dreams of expanding her community’s market reach by directly exporting sustainably produced products, ensuring families receive the full economic benefits. Her story highlights the impact of local leadership combined with UN-supported programs, demonstrating how women, traditional knowledge, and targeted investments can create resilient, equitable, and sustainable food systems in the Bolivian Amazon.
