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Bolivia

Radio can be used to inform farmers in remote areas of new agricultural techniques. [Annie Bungeroth]

Bolivia is the poorest country in South America and the most unequal in Latin America, with 15% of the population still not having regular access to water

More than half Bolivia’s poor now live in urban areas, particularly in La Paz or Santa Cruz.

However, poverty is highest in rural areas, with 82% of the rural population living below the national poverty line.

CAFOD spent £234,000 in Bolivia in 2008

Employment is low and one-quarter of the population have either migrated or emigrated - currently three million Bolivians live abroad.

Despite this, Bolivia has enormous natural wealth, with valuable resources such as oil, gas, zinc and tin. However, the poor and indigenous population have not been allowed to share in this wealth.

President Evo Morales addresses a packed press conference accompanied by Vice-President Alvaro Garcia Linera [Nick Buxton]

Key challenges

Although the Morales government does bring hope, Bolivia still faces huge challenges, and large foreign debts reduce its capacity to provide for its people

Preventing HIV/AIDS

IDH has an HIV/AIDS prevention programme directed at young people, and also works to defend people living with HIV and AIDS from discrimination and to ensure access to treatment.

A livestock improvement programme encourages the growing of nutritious alfalfa as cattle fodder. Farmers are encouraged to cut it rather than letting the animal graze, as they pull the roots up [Annie Bungeroth]

Defending rural people's rights

CEPAS-Caritas, part of the central administration of the Catholic Church in Bolivia, is helping rural people defend their right to the land.

An injured supporter of President Evo Morales is detained by anti-government protesters in Sucre, May 24, 2008 [REUTERS/David Mercado, courtesy www.alertnet.org]

Sufferers in land dispute supported

CAFOD has donated £22,151 to people affected by last month’s massacre in northern Bolivia in which 16 people where killed and more than 50 people disappeared

Partners threatened in Bolivia unrest

CAFOD urges the UK government to help restore law and order in eastern Bolivia, after ambushes on indigenous communities leave dozens dead

CAFOD partner EDAS helps farmers in the barren highlands keep their llamas healthy, and then to sell the meat at city markets [CAFOD]

Llamas providing livelihoods

In the barren highlands of Western Bolivia, farmers Silvestre Mamani and his wife Rufina are getting more money for their llama meat - thanks to CAFOD partner EDAS

Published on 05/12/2005, last updated on 18/08/2008

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Key challenges Empowering rural communities Improving nutrition Defending rural people's rights Preventing HIV/AIDS

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