Basic Income Pilot Boosts Food Security and Conservation in Amazon

Zainab Rahman | AA

An innovative basic income program in Peru showed strides in food security and community stability among Indigenous groups, underscoring a potential model for broader application.

An analysis from the University of Bath has drawn attention to a significant pilot program in the Peruvian Amazon that was linked to improved food security, financial stability, and active participation in conservation efforts among three Indigenous communities. The two-year initiative involved 211 adults from the Ashaninka and Yanesha groups, who received six payments, each amounting to 1,032 Peruvian soles, distributed every four months. Participants were at liberty to allocate these funds according to their needs.

Conducted from late 2023 to mid-2025, the program also integrated optional training sessions covering essential topics such as financial management, Indigenous rights, community governance, environmental safeguards, and climate resilience. This approach, described as a 'Cash Plus' model, sought to combine financial support with educational empowerment.

The initiative was spearheaded by Cool Earth, a climate-focused charity, in partnership with the National Organization of Andean and Amazonian Indigenous Women of Peru and the Ashaninka and Yanesha Indigenous Women's Organization of the Central Sector. These collaborations emphasized community-led education and organization, aiming for sustainable improvements.

Notable Improvements in Food Security and Stability

Before and after surveys, along with interviews and focus groups, revealed significant changes in household stability and food security. The proportion of households unable to afford nutritious food saw a reduction from 73% to 26%, while those skipping meals decreased from 49% to 22%. Furthermore, those with savings grew from 49% to 70%, and reliance on temporary jobs fell significantly from 43% to 18%, allowing participants to dedicate more time to personal and community agricultural projects.

Neil Howard, head of the University of Bath's Universal Basic Income Research Group, noted, 'Cash makes a massive and immediate difference to people’s lives, whether it’s reducing outward migration for work, reductions in poverty, or enabling future planning and investments.' This highlights the transformative potential of direct financial assistance.

Participants of the program reported improvements not only in personal livelihoods but also in broader community and environmental engagements. With the newfound economic stability, residents were more inclined to concentrate on sustainable agriculture and ecological stewardship initiatives.

Challenges and Environmental Engagement

Despite the promising results, researchers noted limitations. For instance, nearly 90% of participants reported engaging in environmentally beneficial practices, yet these findings were largely self-reported and subjective, as the study did not specifically measure changes in deforestation or forest cover. The absence of a control group further challenged the isolation of the program's direct effects.

Nevertheless, 87% of participants reportedly engaged in collective activities, such as planting native trees and working toward reducing forest degradation and restoring water springs. These activities point to a collective increase in environmental awareness and community participation.

Researchers recommend longer studies that employ direct environmental indicators to verify these outcomes' durability and explore the potential for expanding the model. Cool Earth expressed intentions to integrate the approach into ongoing efforts and explore similar designs with additional communities in Peru's central Amazon region.

Urban Policy Implications of Cash Plus Models

The success of the 'Cash Plus' model in the Peruvian Amazon provides a compelling case for urban policymakers considering basic income schemes in cities. The integration of financial aid with educational and community governance components speaks to a holistic approach that cities could mirror to address urban poverty. Such initiatives may reduce economic disparities, enhance resource allocation, and strengthen community bonds within urban environments.

For cities grappling with challenges of economic inequity and environmental sustainability, the integration of 'Cash Plus' models could offer novel solutions. The program demonstrated that financial stability could empower citizens to engage in sustainable practices and communal improvement projects, possibly decreasing urban sprawl driven by economic necessity. As cities consider the potential roll-out of similar programs, the Peruvian case provides valuable insights into structuring community-focused financial interventions.

Questions That Matter

What benefits did the Amazon program provide?

The basic income pilot program improved food security and financial stability among the Ashaninka and Yanesha communities. The proportion of households unable to afford nutritious food fell significantly, indicating enhanced well-being.

How much money did participants receive?

Participants in the program received six payments of 1,032 Peruvian soles each over two years, distributed every four months. This unconditional cash transfer allowed recipients to use the funds as they saw fit.