Bolivia
7 years
CAD 12 million
Global Affairs Canada
20 000 people
Chuquisaca is one of the poorest regions of Bolivia. To improve living conditions and family incomes, Socodevi supported the diversification of economic and productive activities for farming households.
For Socodevi and the members of the AGROCENTRAL co-operative network—our key partner in this initiative—the challenge was significant: identify and cultivate new, more profitable crops while promoting climate-smart methods and environmentally sustainable resource management.
This project succeeded thanks to close collaboration with stakeholders, a participatory approach that fostered synergy, and innovative methods for strengthening the capacities of beneficiaries.
Today, a brand-new industry in the production, processing, and marketing of spices—including oregano—has transformed the lives of thousands of farming families. Oregano has even become the region’s main export product.
More than 3,000 oregano-producing families across 20 municipalities diversified their production and saw their average incomes increase by 300% as members of AGROCENTRAL.
They planted 350 hectares, delivered over 450 metric tons, and generated more than USD 1 million in revenue. Meanwhile, 100% of the plots were improved to prevent water erosion and preserve soil health. In short, this value chain strengthened co-operative prosperity and the self-sufficiency of families supported by Socodevi’s approach.
