International vicuna fiber trade and its benefit sharing

Abstract

Objective: this research article is expected to show the influence of international trade in vicuña fibre for social and economic sustainability, within the framework of shared benefits and welfare for the Andean peasant communities. Methodology: the research used social and economic indicators to determine the social and economic sustainability of Andean communities. In addition, the economic benefits of the trade agreements and Free on board - FOB values of the international trade of vicuña fibre for the period 1995 – 2011. Finding: it was found that approximately US$ 13 million generated from the FOB value in that period has no social welfare in the affected regions. Similarly, the international trade in vicuña fibre had a low level influence (0.0792) on its economic welfare as did the US$ 21 million generated from the FOB value. Conclusion: international trade in vicuña fibre had no influence on the social or economic welfare of peasant communities. The increase in human resources at these competitive levels in education, technological knowledge, access to health systems and nutrition will be a step forward in the sustainable development of Andean culture and moral values.

Keywords

• vicuna fiber
• agricultural economics
• rural development
• sustainable development