Inclusive Markets in Bolivia

The project

Inclusive Markets wants to scale up and further its activities in:

• Introducing technological innovations to promote sustainable agricultural practices,
• Introducing market and marketing innovations to improve the livelihoods of indigenous people who own large tracts of land,
• Promoting sustainable trade with an environmentally friendly perspective,
• Making interventions in the financial system to promote sustainable finance,
• Improving management capabilities of local governments for public investment in productive activities with environmental protection in mind; and
• Developing gender mainstreaming actions to improve livelihoods and conditions for women's empowerment.

Change Theory:  

The project aims to transform agricultural, livestock and forestry systems in the Chiquitania and the Amazon region by promoting sustainable models of agroecological practices, efficient resource management and commercial ventures which are resilient to climate change. By fostering collaboration between indigenous communities, small producers, public institutions, NGOs and private companies, and emphasizing the traceability of value chains and the direct connection between supply and demand, the local economy and the environmental sustainability will be strengthened. At the same time, through access to services, technologies and training, as well as awareness-raising to reduce gender inequalities, priority will be given to the economic empowerment of women. This integrated approach aims to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable populations and promote local marketing and the export of organic eco-friendly products, generating positive impacts on economic, social and environmental conditions.

Our approach

The project bases its activities on the Multidimensional Poverty Analysis (MDA) and Market Systems Development (MSD) approaches, in conjunction with a gender focus.

The objective of Inclusive Markets is to contribute to environmental protection, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and sustainable economic development in Bolivia. The purpose is to contribute to: i) Promoting sustainable production models that allow the country to benefit from its natural resources in an ecologically sustainable manner and ii) Improving the livelihoods of the indigenous and peasant population.

Reducing the use of chemical inputs in agriculture is an important focus of the work, as is to gain access to improved markets for harvested products (forest fruits) and agricultural products.

Beneficiaries

Vulnerable men and women engaged in agriculture and livestock, agroforestry or other activities on small farms and/or groups of families in agri-food systems (with emphasis on women and youth).

Partners

The project has established strategic alliances with more than 30 key stakeholders in the Amazon, Chiquitania and Santa Cruz Valleys, spanning both the public and private sectors. These alliances include:

• 21 public institutions (municipal and departmental governments, universities, state projects and programs, in addition to other government entities that play a key role in generating public policies).
• Nine private sector actors, including technology and input suppliers, research institutes, producer associations, export companies, export chambers, financial intermediation entities, and insurance companies, who contribute to employment, innovation, and the production of goods and services.
• More than 15 civil society organizations, especially those that make up the Environmental Platform promoted by the Swedish Embassy and the European Union in Bolivia.

Co-implementers:

• Foundation for the Promotion and Research of Andean Products (PROINPA).
• Foundation for the Productive and Financial Development (PROFIN)
• NGO Centro de Promoción Agropecuaria y Campesina (CEPAC)
• NGO Les Ningunes

Project Links

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