TİKA Establishes “Alpaca Ranch” in Peru

An alpaca house with a capacity for 400 alpacas has been established in the rural area of Huancavelica, Peru at an altitude of 4,600 meters above sea level. The alpaca production facility, supported by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA), has been named the “Peru-Türkiye Friendship Ranch.”

As part of the project, a 750 m² corral was built on a 50-hectare area. Pasture areas were created to optimize food resources, and water tanks were installed to address issues of water access due to extreme drought and cold. Additionally, to prevent lightning strikes at high altitudes, a lightning rod was installed.

The project aims to provide a comprehensive solution to various challenges such as freezing temperatures, falls from height, predator attacks, lightning strikes, regional famine and drought.

The opening ceremony of the ranch, established in cooperation with TİKA and the Huamanrazu Alpaca Producers’ Association, was attended by representatives of the Directorate Regional of South American Camelids Huancavelica, members of the Huamanrazu Alpaca Producers’ Association, faculty members from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Engineering at the National University of Huancavelica and TİKA officials.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ursula Tunque Quispe, President of the Huamanrazu Alpaca Producers’ Association, expressed her gratitude to Türkiye for reviving alpaca breeding in the region, which was on the verge of disappearing, thanks to TİKA’s support.

Quispe said, “Alpaca breeding was on the brink of extinction due to climatic conditions. There is no water in our grazing areas, and the grass does not grow due to drought. Newborn animals were especially vulnerable, often freezing to death in the morning. I remember warming newborn alpaca babies in my own bed to keep them alive.”

Quispe said that they presented the project to many countries but received support only from Türkiye. She added, “We knocked on many doors, but Türkiye was the only country that paid attention to help us establish this ranch. We are grateful to TİKA for providing us the opportunity to carry on this production, which is the most important source of livelihood in our region and a heritage from our ancestors. We hope this will serve as an example for other international organizations and the people of the region.”

Our flag raised at the opening event

This year, Türkiye was the guest of honor at the festivities organized by the Huancavelica Governorship in celebration of National Alpaca Day on August 1. The “Peru-Türkiye Friendship Ranch” project was introduced as part of these festivities.

Huancavelica Governor Leoncio Huayllani Taipe emphasized that TİKA has carried out an exemplary project by addressing the needs of the local people and collaborating with local authorities.

Despite being recently threatened by the effects of climate change and harsh geographical conditions, Peru is considered the homeland of alpacas, llamas and vicuñas, which make up the South American camelid family. Peru is home to 70% of the world’s alpacas, and alpaca production represents the largest volume in the country’s livestock industry.

The project, realized with contributions from TİKA, will receive technical support from the National University of Huancavelica and will serve as an example for other communities.