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The objective of this land access initiative is to reduce the potential for violent conflict over land in one of Bolivia’s most vulnerable regions, Santa Cruz department. Centuries of uneven land distribution in some of the most fertile and resource-rich areas in the country have created very tense situations. PADF works with the Bolivian government, USAID and a local NGO to improve economic potential for small-plot farmers, strengthen communities through training in non-violent conflict resolution techniques, and facilitate legal access to land through technical assistance and support.
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In collaboration with Casals and Associates Inc., PADF's Bolivian staff have established highly successful partnerships with local stakeholders to bolster democratic processes and foster dialogue, self-determination, and self-sufficiency for local communities. Small projects, funded through this initiative, include school construction, water system rehabilitation, natural gas connections for heating public buildings, and skills training.
In November 2006, the program hosted a "Reverse Fair" in the Tarija department where indigenous and minority-owned companies as well as microenterprises, traditionally excluded from government procurement opportunities, had an equal chance to compete. Many were awarded contracts. The model is so effective that an agency of the Tarija government replicated the "Reverse Fair" on their own. |
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Rural Development Micro-Projects Through the Bolivian government’s Fondo Nacional de Inversión Productiva y Social (National Productive Investment and Social Fund - FPS) and funded by the World Bank, PADF oversaw the implementation of a portfolio of small rural productive projects, totaling more than $8 million, such as micro-irrigation systems and agricultural support.
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Responding to Natural Disasters In February of 2007, PADF distributed basic provisions for victims of severe flooding in Santa Cruz and Beni, Bolivia, including water, rice, sugar, noodles, oil and salt.
Torrential rains in March of 2006 caused flooding and mudslides, impacting entire villages and farms in and around La Paz. PADF contributed toward equipment and manpower for rehabilitation and maintenance of public roads, bridges, and other infrastructure in affected areas.
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