Times of change: Young people and the future of llama caravans in Santa Catalina, Jujuy, Argentina

Abstract

Research on youth perceptions concerning llama caravans is presented in this chapter. This data was collected between 2014 and 2019 from schoolchildren at Santa Catalina, Argentina, where llama caravans arrive, and from the young Bolivian boys who travel with the caravans. Llama caravans showed an evident decrease over time, and economic, environmental, and social reasons are presented. The latter include the perceptions and decisions of the young people that clearly express their lack of interest in continuing with the caravan journey. We also present the use of caravans to stimulate meaningful rooted learning within the socio-environmental reality of altiplano schools. Our research group also used this data to develop educational materials.