Taste the Amazon, sustainably sourced for you!

What is the Chakra System? A Glimpse into Amazonian Agroforestry

At Amaroo Foods, our mission is rooted not just in what we offer—but in how it’s grown. Our star ingredient, Macambo Beans, comes from a deeply sacred agricultural tradition known as the chakra agroforestry system, used for generations by the Kichwa and Shuar Indigenous communities of the Ecuadorian Amazon. The word chakra means "garden" in Kichwa, but it represents far more than just farmland. A chakra is a biodiverse, regenerative ecosystem carefully managed by Indigenous women, designed to mimic the natural balance of the rainforest. These forest gardens are home to a rich variety of trees, crops, medicinal plants, and wildlife—forming a living system that sustains both people and nature. Unlike industrial agriculture, chakras are inherently regenerative. They preserve soil fertility, maintain water balance, and protect the Amazon from deforestation. Each Macambo tree is planted in harmony with its surrounding environment, making it part of an intricate ecological web. This ancient knowledge ensures long-term resilience, biodiversity, and food security. Even more powerful is the social impact of this system. Chakras are often managed by women, who play a vital role in food cultivation and cultural preservation. Through our fair trade partnerships, these women gain financial independence and reinvest in their communities—supporting health, education, and economic development. Every bean you enjoy is a result of their care, knowledge, and commitment to the Earth. For Amaroo Foods, supporting the chakra system is about more than sourcing sustainably—it's about honouring Indigenous wisdom, empowering women, and fighting climate change through nature-based solutions. This is why we’re committed to transparent supply chains, regenerative farming, and ethical sourcing that respects people and planet. When you choose Macambo Beans, you’re not just nourishing your body with a powerful superfood—you’re supporting a movement for conscious agriculture and cultural resilience. The chakra agroforestry system is a living example of how tradition and sustainability go hand in hand. It’s a path forward for food production that doesn’t extract, but restores. And it’s the heart of what we do at Amaroo Foods. Taste the Amazon. Support the rainforest. Empower Indigenous women.

Fair Business Alliance - Juan Andrés Santelices

5/8/20241 min read