TİKA Supports Vulnerable Communities in the Fight Against Climate Change

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) provided humanitarian aid to rural communities facing harsh weather conditions in the high-altitude Huancavelica region of Peru, one of the areas most severely affected by climate change.

As part of the aid activities carried out in cooperation with the Peruvian Agency for International Cooperation (APCI) and the Huancavelica Regional Government, coats, boots, and blankets were distributed to rural indigenous communities living at approximately 4,000 meters above sea level, who primarily rely on livestock for their livelihoods.

The local population, whose living conditions had become increasingly difficult and whose economic activities were disrupted due to extreme cold, entered the winter season better prepared thanks to TİKA’s support. The aid provided to those in need—particularly the elderly, children, women, and individuals working outdoors—was warmly welcomed by the people of the region.

The relief operation aimed to mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis on vulnerable communities living at high altitudes under harsh weather conditions, while also strengthening their resilience. It further stood out as a strong example of a community-based response to climate change and international solidarity.

Climate Crisis and Poverty in Rural Peru

Between 2022 and 2023, extreme poverty increased in 20 of Peru’s 24 regions. In Huancavelica—one of the hardest-hit areas—a quarter of the population, approximately 350,000 people, falls into the extreme poverty category according to official records.

The extreme cold season, which has intensified in the region due to climate change, is severely impacting rural families, particularly those who depend on farming and alpaca breeding for their livelihoods. With limited resources to meet even their basic clothing needs, many struggle to fight cold-related illnesses. Food security also remains a serious concern across the region.

Increasing Resilience Through Alpaca Farming

The Alpaca Farm project, established by TİKA in 2024 in the region, has made a significant contribution to sustaining alpaca breeding, which is increasingly threatened by climate change. As part of the project—developed to support farmers facing challenges such as early frosts, irregular rainfall, drought, and diminishing water resources—it was reported that no newborn alpacas died from freezing or lack of resources within the first year.

Projects like these, carried out by TİKA in rural Peru, provide not only humanitarian assistance but also crucial support for local development, food security, and resilience to the climate crisis.