ICT for Agriculture in the Chiquitano Region - Bolivia

This project strengthens small indigenous farmers in the Chiquitano region in terms of their integration into local economic development through access to information and Information and Communication Technologies. The information and ICTs assist in the provision of access to market information and promotion of indigenous produce. In addition,  this project increases participation in local and regional decision-making and inclusion in local development planning. Direct beneficiaries of the project include the indigenous farmers in 115 communities in the region.

This project is in independent continuation since the beginning of 2007.

• Economic: Provision of access to information on production methods and market information for 4 key products (honey, sustainable wood products, handy crafts, medicinal plants)
• Awareness: Sensitise civil society on the importance of indigenous production
• Empowerment: Participation of small indigenous farmers in local and regional decision making bodies
• Empowerment: Ensure inclusion of demands of indigenous producers in the municipal government plans Farmers and communities in the Valleys of Santa Cruz improve their income by means of access to information assisting in a more optimal planning of production and marketing of agriculture products

The project is interesting for different reasons: 1) Target group represents the poorest people in remote rural areas, 2) Active involvement of local government will allow us to gain experience with collaboration between non-governmental organisations, grass-root organisations and local governments, 3) The project will provide information services and advice only on request by the target group. This will allow us to see if there is real demand for this kind of services, 4) The objective reaches beyond market and production information, including participation in local decision makers by indigenous people, is interesting from a governance perspective.

Read more about IICD's approach towards Livelihoods.

Project manager Apoyo para el Campesino-Indígena del Oriente Boliviano (APCOB), is a non-governmental organisation founded in 1980. Its goal is to make the indigenous towns in East-Bolivia, sustainable and to obtain the autonomy of management in these territories, with direct participation in the different institutions for national political representation.