The Vital Role of Yachaq Runas and Satiris in Rural Development

For over 20 years, the Suyana Foundation has been transforming lives in the remote rural landscapes of Peru and Bolivia through sustainable development. Our approach thrives on locally led efforts, grounded in the belief that lasting change must come from within. Central to this vision are the local leaders we empower through the Programa Municipio Saludable (PMS): the Yachaq Runas in Peru and the Satiris in Bolivia. These leaders are the heart of community transformation, blending traditional wisdom with modern techniques to help families and communities build healthier, more sustainable livelihoods.

The term „Yachaq Runas,“ or „Gotagaigantatsirira” (as used in the tropical regions of Peru), derives from the indigenous language Quechua and Masitgenka and translates to „wise individuals.“ These local leaders are selected for their influence, commitment, and willingness to serve their communities. Trained under the Programa Municipio Saludable (PMS), they become advisors, agricultural coaches, and community trainers. Their training combines ancestral knowledge with technical expertise to address modern challenges like food insecurity and environmental sustainability.

• Specialized Training: Yachaq Runas receive intensive training to strengthen their practical knowledge in agriculture, livestock, sustainable associative trade, and community health. The course is certified by Fundación Suyana and the National Institute of Agricultural Innovation (INIA) of the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation of Peru, recognizing them as Rural Extensionists registered in the National Registry of Technical Assistance Providers INIA – MIDAGRI. This certification also creates opportunities for their integration into the labor market.
• Ongoing Training: During the three-year cycle of the PMS, up to 30 family leaders, both men and women, are trained as Yachaq Runas, ensuring a continuous impact in regions such as Cusco, Apurímac, and Puno.
• Community Impact: To strengthen the intensive training received in agriculture, livestock, and sustainable associative trade, they are provided with essential equipment such as veterinary kits and gear, which facilitates the execution of activities and enhance their impact on community development. These leaders work alongside families to improve housing, manage productive water resources, and build agricultural infrastructure, adopting sustainable farming practices, diversifying income sources, and promoting healthy habits.

Their efforts strengthen communal organization and local economies, and build resilient, self-sufficient communities.

In Bolivia, the Satiris—meaning „sowers“ in the indigenous language Aymara, to metaphorically describe individuals who plant seeds of change, knowledge, or development—play a similarly transformative role. These individuals are healthy family leaders from communities where Suyana operates. They are selected for their exceptional commitment and management skills and invited to receive specialized training.

• Rigorous Certification: Around 30 Satiris participate in the Agricultural Production Expert Course of the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (UMSA), in La Paz, Bolivia, one of Suyana’s long-time partners. This comprehensive program covers essential topics such as animal health and disease management, crop production and pest control, beekeeping and irrigation techniques and economic principles of rural farming.
• Empowering Change: Equipped with new skills and tools like vet kits and protective gear, they return to their municipalities, to promote healthier, sustainable practices within their communities.
• Future Perspectives: The partnership with UMSA enables opportunities for further education and integration into municipal and regional initiatives.

Support the Suyana Foundation in empowering leaders like Yachaq Runas and Satiris. Together, we can sow the seeds of sustainable development and create a brighter future for rural communities in Peru and Bolivia.