A farmer in his field in Colquencha.
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Authors
Monica Cuba
Issue Date
30/01/2015
Type
Language
en
Keywords
Food , Agriculture , Economic Development
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Abstract
Background • Colquencha is a small town around 40 km south of La Paz, the capital of landlocked Bolivia. It is nearly 4.000 metres above sea level. • 70% live in rural areas over 29 communities in 5 cantones (districts) • These families have a near-subsistence economy: 99.9% do not cover their basic needs and 76.6% live in extreme poverty • Livelihoods are mostly derived from livestock farming, especially cattle and they grow three major crops, barley (for cattle feed), potatoes and quinoa • Farming only provides part of their food, which makes small farmers highly vulnerable to the labour market cycles in the nearest cities. There is no steady flow of income to families in the region from the cities, because of the levels of unemployment and economic situation of La Paz and El Alto Partners • An important feature of the project is working with existing local organisations to improve participation of the community in local planning so that their needs are considered by municipal authorities. The project will work with “Organización Campesina” and “Sindicato Agrario” (Patrick will probably be able to supply more info on these) • Also important is The 'Mallku' is the highest authority of the community, an ancient system of government which predates the Spanish invasion. This authority coexists with democratically elected local authorities. It is important that both organisations are strengthened The problem • The livelihoods of the population of Colquencha are insecure because of the depressed agricultural economy combined with low production levels and productivity. • Products obtained from livestock farming are of poor quality. • Municipal government and Civil Society fail to work together to promote local economic development. • Issues include poor livestock management, poor utilization of water resources for crops, lack of productive infrastructure, soil erosion and degradation caused mainly by inappropriate practices and lack of technical assistance appropriate for rural communities. • Producers have little knowledge of the market and have little opportunity to interact with others to obtain information which could to enable them to derive income from alternative productive activities • There are clear signs of nutritional problems in young people, Beneficiaries • Target beneficiaries are 8,000 people from 1,968 households in the municipality of Colquencha • The direct beneficiaries are 800 farming families (3200 men and women) engaged in agricultural activity who represent 48.6% of the population of Colquencha.
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