Developing resilient rural areas

Context

Bolivia’s rural population is severely affected by climate change: droughts, heavy rainfall and cold spells lead to crop losses, especially in the Andean valleys. Pesticide contamination, water shortages and infertile soil make the situation worse. Family farms must therefore make more use of the diversity of local crop varieties and gain access to markets for organic food.

Objective

The relevant actors in the agricultural and food system have developed rural areas by applying agroecological and climate-adapted approaches.

Approach

Through multi-stakeholder partnerships, the project promotes cross-sector cooperation between politics, the private sector and civil society to produce food in an agroecological way. It also assists producers of eight foodstuffs to better integrate into the organic market. These efforts are supported by trade partnerships between farmers, their organisations and food companies.

In addition, the project specifically trains women and young adults in agricultural matters so that they can make knowledge-based decisions and offer advice on climate-adapted agriculture. At the same time, it works with farmers to develop technologies for selected foodstuffs.

The switch to agroecological production requires appropriate green financing. The project therefore develops green loans and trains producers in entrepreneurial and financial principles.

Last update: March 2024