versión en español

Pachamama Raymi, the Fiesta of Mother Earth (in Quechua ,the language of the Incas) is a tool, a methodology that makes profound changes possible in rural communities, at a large scale, and fast. It is a local-knowledge management system in combination with motivators, such as contests between families, and between their organizations. This combination makes it possible to manage, reduce, the resistance to change.

The methodology identifies the best performing individuals, families and communities, in issues as diverse as natural resources or small business management. Core elements of Pachamama Raymi is recognizing and giving credit to these outstanding persons and organizations, as well as public recognition of the value and importance of their (ancestral) knowledge and know-how. Another core element is diffusion of this knowledge and know-how among equals through exchange and other elements of Pachamama Raymi. An important tool for motivation is contests between families and between their territorial organizations, with significant prizes. Contests are also a way to identify best practices.

Many projects in different countries use the methodology Pachamama Raymi in rural development, in improving and stimulating micro and small businesses, to improve preventive healthcare and education. Pachamama Raymi can be a very effective tool to eradicate poverty.

Different names and versions of the methodology were generated, which respond to the creativity of technical and professional staff and conditions in each country and project.

But as Pierre de Zutter said: "no matter which name appears, the important thing is that tens of millions of farmer families in Latin America (and billions on the whole planet) can receive and claim opportunities and resources which actually serve and empower them. " (Mail: "Sharing Happiness" 7-6-2008).

See: The origins and history of Pachamama Raymi.

We know that Pachamama Raymi can give great results. Many attempts were made to explain why and how it works so well, such as this one (pps).