Bolivia: Empowering vulnerable populations
Context
Bolivia is one of the poorest countries in South America. One Bolivian in eight lives on less than $1.25 a day, according to UNDP data.
The segments of the population most vulnerable and at risk of poverty are women and children in rural areas, as well as indigenous peoples. Over 22% of Bolivians have no access to drinking water, and 73% have no access to basic sanitation.
Our work in Bolivia
Global support program for Machacamarca
In the town of Machacamarca, located in the state of Oruro, the vulnerability of the population is accentuated by a particularly unfavorable environment. They have to contend with high altitudes, difficult climatic conditions and a shortage of fertile land, all of which affect subsistence farming.
To improve the quality of life and build the capacities of the vulnerable inhabitants of Machacamarca, FXB developed a one-off global support program in Bolivia in 1998.
This program was developed in a participatory manner to encourage local ownership of the project after the association's departure.
Many activities have been set up as part of this program:
- Development of income-generating activities to enable families to generate sufficient income and gain access to food security: poultry rearing, launch of a community bakery and development of greenhouse crops to overcome environmental obstacles and facilitate vegetable production in this locality located at an altitude of almost 4,000 meters.
- Development of beneficiaries' project management and financial management skills.
- Training and raising community awareness of general health issues, reproductive health, hygiene, sustainable community development and environmental protection.
The project is now run independently by women from the Machacamarca community.