Oxfam's work in Bolivia in depth

A country rich in cultural diversity and natural resources, some 36 indigenous groups make up 66 per cent of Bolivia’s population of 10 million.However, the country also has one of the worst levels of poverty and inequality in Latin America which is reflected mainly in women and indigenous peoples. 60 per cent of the population lives in poverty and 38 per cent in extreme poverty.

In rural areas, eight out of ten people are poor, and extreme poverty continues to predominate. In urban zones poverty is increasing. In 2007, urban areas registered 3.2 million people living in poverty (50 per cent of the population), while in rural zones it was 2.6 million (76 per cent of the population). The face of poverty in Bolivia is the face of an indigenous woman.

Although there has been significant progress in recognising the rights of indigenous peoples and women, ethnic and gender discrimination are still present, hindering the development of an intercultural and equitable society.

In addition, the intensity and frequency of natural disasters, related in part to climate change, have left in their wake damage and losses that hinder growth and development.

Oxfam is working in Bolivia to influence the development of a more diversified, productive and equitable national economy, a more inclusive democracy, and an intercultural society. In order to ensure the sustainability of these achievements, we seek to reduce vulnerability by developing the capacity for a humane response, risk management and adaptation to climate change.

Economic justice

To lessen inequality and poverty in Bolivia, Oxfam is advocating public policies on national and regional levels that favour women and indigenous people.

We are supporting the development of an alternative economic development model guided by the indigenous framework of “living well”. This involves supporting and strengthening social organisations so that they may participate in forming economic policy.

We are also encouraging regional policies that create alliances between the Latin American countries, that support climate justice, and that utilise resources and technology from developed countries for Bolivia’s development.

Urban equity

Oxfam works to strengthen social movements and organisations that support the participation of women, indigenous peoples, and youth in the decision-making process. This includes focusing on gender equity.

We believe that increased participation by the people will help create a new legal framework that incorporates more equitable public laws and regulations and will help improve access to basic rights and services for marginalised members of society.

Risk reduction and adaptation

To counteract the effects of climate change, Oxfam is lobbying for the implementation of public policies for Risk Management and Adaptation to Climate Change at the various government levels. We are promoting the development of skills so that the key local participants will have an understanding of the issues of prevention, mitigation, preparation, response, recovery and rehabilitation in the aftermath of disasters.

We also support processes of adaptation to climate change through finding and reclaiming appropriate traditional technologies aimed at food security, reducing vulnerability and the development of renewable energy that will be clean, appropriate and accessible to the poorest people. Thus, communities – especially women and indigenous peoples – reduce their vulnerability, adapt to the impacts of climate change and extreme socio-natural events through the adoption of more appropriate techniques and practices to reduce their levels of poverty and inequality.

Last updated: December 2009