Revaluation of the mashua: social perception and political scope from a qualitative approach in students and specialists UNAMBA – 2025

Abstract

This study analyzes the social value and political treatment of the Andean crop mashua within the context of Peruvian agrobiodiversity. A descriptive qualitative approach was used, employing closed-ended surveys of 63 students from the National University Micaela Bastidas of Apurímac (UNAMBA), as well as document analysis and interviews with specialists in the agro-industrial and political sectors. The results show that 76.2% of the students are familiar with mashua and that 85.7% support the implementation of public policies to promote its production and consumption, although its social and economic recognition remains limited. From the qualitative analysis, specialists highlight its high nutritional and medicinal potential, but identify the main limitations as limited industrialization, a lack of applied research, and weak institutional coordination. Furthermore, it is evident that current public policies are insufficient and lack continuity, prioritizing export crops such as quinoa. It is concluded that the revaluation of mashua requires an effective articulation between the State, academia and local communities, through sustainable policies, technical and economic support, and dissemination strategies that strengthen their cultural identity and contribute to sustainable rural development and food security.