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Valley subsistence farmers benefit from the Market Access and Poverty Alleviation activity, which increases market access, technology infrastructure. (Photo USAID)
Bolivian women artisans find wider markets for their wares through the Andean Artisan Enterprise Initiative. (Photo USAID)
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To reduce poverty, USAID/Bolivia supports opportunities for economic growth, such as removing barriers to resources and markets and increasing access to education and technology. These activities are designed to increase the income and improve the economic status of the marginalized and the poor.
Market Access and Poverty Alleviation (MAPA)
In Bolivia's valley areas, where subsistence farming is the primary
source of income, USAID works with Chemonics, CARE USA,
Prime International, Texas A & M University, ACDI/VOCA and local partners
to reduce rural poverty by increasing access to markets,
technology, and basic infrastructure. Through MAPA, economic
opportunities have improved livelihoods for poor farmers,
over 50 percent of whom are women. In 2003, for example,
over 6,000 families increased their sales by 38 percent.
While the average rural household lost nine percent of
its income, MAPA beneficiaries experienced nearly a 20
percent increase. MAPA also supports the Foundation of
the Agricultural Technology Development of the Valleys
(FDTA/Valleys), which is responsible for developing innovative
agricultural technology in the target area. MAPA beneficiaries are now
exporting their goods around the world, to countries such as Canada,
Japan, Korea, Brazil and Argentina.
The Andean Artisan Enterprise Initiative (AAEI)
The Andean Artisan Enterprise Initiative (AAEI) is a five-year activity designed to promote the export of the handicrafts produced by local artisans. Implemented by Aid to Artisans with USAID/Bolivia support, the activity provides technical assistance and training in product design and development and business skills such as planning, costing, marketing, and customer service in the coca-producing regions of Bolivia. A small grants program also enables artisans to purchase needed equipment and materials to improve or increase their craft production. Thousands of female artisans have strengthened their businesses by gaining access to local, tourist and international markets.
Pro Mujer Bolivia
To increase access to microfinance services for women, Pro Mujer Bolivia
offers an alternative delivery system for credit services
and banking to women who have limited access to formal
financial institutions. The organization has been able
to reach even the most marginalized female population,
including migrant workers. The Business Development
Center has trained over 20,000 clients in small business
development through a specialized curriculum that includes
individualized training. As of September 2004, the
organization had served over 44,000 clients, with an
average loan size of $125.
Banco SolidarioWith other donors, USAID/Bolivia provides financial support to Banco Solidario (BancoSol), a private commercial bank dedicated entirely to the promotion of microenterprise. More than 50 percent of the Bank's 71,000 active clients are women involved in a variety of businesses, ranging from market vendors to candy-makers to bakers. BancoSol serves over 40 percent of all borrowers in Bolivia despite maintaining less than two percent of the banking system's assets. With initial loans starting around $50, BancoSol effectively reaches the poorest in society, providing them with a means to begin overcoming economic constraints.
Bolivia Program Objectives
Economic Growth
Democracy and the Rule of Law
Health
Selected Activities
Market Access and Poverty Alleviation (MAPA)
The Andean Artisan Enterprise Initiative (AAEI)
Pro Mujer Bolivia
Banco Solidario
Democratic Decentralization and Citizen Participation (DDCP)
PROSIN and PROSALUD
PROCOSI
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Global Snapshots: Bolivia
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