THE USAID ASSISTANCE PROGRAM IN BOLIVIA

The United States Government channels its development assistance to Bolivia through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).  USAID is one of the largest and oldest international development agencies and is well known in Bolivia, especially in rural areas where thousands of projects have been implemented. USAID has been providing assistance to Bolivia since the 1960s

USAID works with the Government of Bolivia, the private sector and the Bolivian population to achieve equitable and sustainable development.  USAID/Bolivia provides about $85 million annually in development assistance through bilateral agreements with the Bolivian government and unilateral agreements with other organizations. USAID programs are implemented by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the private sector, and Bolivian governmental organizations.

USAID’s programs support Bolivia’s National Development Plan and are designed to address key issues, such as poverty and social exclusion of historically disadvantaged populations. USAID’s program in Bolivia strengthens democratic institutions; provides economic opportunities for disadvantaged populations through business development and trade; improves family health; promotes sustainable use of natural resources and biodiversity conservation; provides small farmers alternatives to illicit coca cultivation; and improves food security.

The following is an overview of the principal areas where USAID provides support:

Economic Growth:  Increased Income for Bolivia's Poor

Activities:  Financial services for the urban and rural poor; agricultural development for small producers; and improved trade and business competitiveness for small and medium sized businesses.

Health:  Improved Health of Bolivians

Activities:  Maternal and child health; improved community-based health initiatives; expanded access to family planning services; greater awareness and prevention of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted disease; infectious disease control (Chagas, tuberculosis, leishmaniasis); and partnerships with private organizations to enable sustainable health services.

Economic Growth:  Forest, Water and Biodiversity Resources Managed for Sustained Economic Growth

Activities:  Sustainable tropical forestry management, in collaboration with communities; sound management of areas of significant biological diversity and value (parks and protected areas); and reduced industrial pollution.

Integrated Development:  Economic Diversification of Coca Growing and Associated Areas is Increasingly Sustainable

Activities:    Development of rural competitiveness and market linkages, rural roads, municipal strengthening, access to justice, land titling and community and social development.

Governing Justly and Democratically:  Increased Confidence in Democratic Institutions and Processes

Activities:  Support to all levels of Government and all branches to strengthen democratic institutions; improve civil society participation in democratic processes; increase access to more efficient and transparent justice services; and strengthening local and regional governments. USAID’s program is consistent with the Inter-American Democratic Charter of the Organization of American States (www.oas.org/OASpage/eng/Documents/Democractic_Charter.htm).

Title II Food Security: Improved Economic Sustainability in Food Insecure Areas

Activities:  Enhance household food security through improved agricultural production and storage techniques, marketing, and productive infrastructure; irrigation; improved maternal and child health through better water sanitation; education for household nutrition and hygiene; and food for work projects.  The Title II Food Security Program also coordinates the United States Government (USG) disaster assistance program in Bolivia.

Special Development Activity Fund

Activities: The SDAF implements small self-help projects that respond to the expressed and perceived needs of low-income communities in urban and rural areas. These projects are characterized by their people to people approach and represent a substantial input from local communities.