The Vicos experiment : a study of the impacts of the Cornell-Peru project in a highland community

The author of this study interprets data on the project from an anthropological viewpoint, presenting a comprehensive analysis of the project"s background, interventions, and results. During the period 1952-65, the Vicos project aimed to increase Vicosinos" status and self-esteem by undertaking a broad range of activities, e.g., the introduction of improved potato seeds, technology, and a credit package, other agricultural activities, educational improvements, health and nutrition programs, military recruitment, and the creation of new political institutions. Although many of these efforts succeeded, positive impacts were mitigated by a variety of unintended effects. Potato production increased dramatically, leading to increased cash and commerce in the community and better diets; however, as the new technologies were available only to wealthier Vicosinos, the relative position of smallholders declined. Educational improvements increased literacy, Spanish speaking ability, and opportunities for secondary schooling, but lowered the status of women (due to unequal educational opportunities) and of the aged (as educated children took stronger roles in household decisionmaking); jobs for the secondary school graduates were scarce in Vicos. Regularization of Vicosinos" military status led to the creation of a power bloc of veterans, generally committed to social and economic innovation, which tended to weaken kinship institutions and traditional elites. Traditional authority was further weakened by the (largely successful) transfer of political power to elected delegates and a governing body of literate Vicosinos. The project did improve Vicosinos" self-esteem and their position outside the community, but it also increased their status and role ambiguities. The author concludes that project success (qualified though it was) was due to the anthropological sensitivity of key project staff and that project willingness to work with existing Peruvian institutions increased the transferability of Vicos innovations within Peru.