Working alongside Indigenous communities in the Argentine Chaco to strengthen territorial resilience, food sovereignty and sustainable livelihoods through agroforestry, social enterprise and impact measurement.
Background
Alianza Wichi is a biocultural and regenerative initiative working alongside Indigenous communities in the Argentine Chaco. The organisation addresses interconnected ecological, social, and economic challenges such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, food insecurity, water stress, and the erosion of Indigenous cultural practices.
Its approach is based on long-term collaboration with communities to co-design solutions that combine ancestral knowledge, scientific research, and appropriate technologies. Through activities such as forest restoration, agroforestry, community nurseries, livelihood development, and cultural preservation, Alianza Wichi aims to strengthen territorial resilience, food sovereignty, and sustainable community-led development.
I2Impact Students
Students will work across three interconnected sub-projects, each addressing a distinct dimension of Alianza Wichi's mission. Together, they contribute to stronger agroforestry systems, a viable social enterprise for Indigenous artisans, and a more robust framework for measuring and communicating impact.
Strengthen community-led agroforestry systems, native tree nurseries and regenerative food production through practical analysis and improvement plans.
Support the early-stage development of a social enterprise connecting Indigenous craftsmanship with ethical design and markets — including business model, value proposition and market strategy.
Design a practical impact measurement and monitoring system to help Alianza Wichi track, evaluate, and communicate its ecological, social and economic impact more effectively.
What Students Do
The project unfolds across two phases. The preparation phase (September–June) focuses on analysis, system design and strategic planning. The implementation phase involves a 6–8 week on-site experience in Salta, Argentina.
September – June
Summer — 6–8 weeks in Salta
Why It Matters
The project generates impact across four interconnected dimensions, strengthening the foundation for long-term, community-led development in the Argentine Chaco.
Environmental: Improved restoration and management of native ecosystems through stronger agroforestry and nursery systems
Economic & Social: Creation of fair and sustainable livelihood opportunities for Indigenous women artisans through the Chiwoye social enterprise
Organisational: Enhanced ability to measure, learn from and communicate impact, leading to better decision-making and increased funding opportunities
Cultural: Preservation and strengthening of Indigenous knowledge, practices and community autonomy across all projects