SUPPORT TO CHUQUISACA

Through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Government has a broad assistance program in Bolivia that promotes social inclusion, helps Bolivia to improve its capability to develop and encourages opportunities for the country’s poorest citizens to improve their lives.

A chili pepper producer from rural Chuquisaca proudly shows his product prior to sale at an international hot chili pepper festival, funded by USAID and sponsored by the local producers’ association

A donation of food in Chuquisaca through the Food For Work Program

Through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Government is currently helping Bolivians in nearly 75% of the municipalities in the Department of Chuquisaca.  Our efforts reduce poverty through enterprise development and increased productivity, strengthen democratic processes and institutions, and improve health. USAID programs create opportunities for the traditionally marginalized while promoting social, political, and economic inclusion.

1. ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE POPULATION

Some of the poorest municipalities of Bolivia are located in the Department of Chuquisaca. Working with the Fundación Valles, small farmers’ associations and local governments, USAID supports the Government of Bolivia’s National Development Plan in 15 municipalities, improving the production of hot chili peppers, oregano and other spices, table grapes, peanuts and onions. As a result, over 8,500 families from the valleys of Chuquisaca are producing and exporting high quality products to international markets. Using new technologies and organic certification to increase efficiency and improve quality, Bolivian farmers and their families are accessing new niche markets, growing their businesses, and increasing incomes.

2. IMPROVED ACCESS TO JUSTICE

USAID supports a comprehensive program with the Government of Bolivia to strengthen democratic institutions. This program includes a special emphasis in Sucre, the capital of Chuquisaca, in support of the justice sector. USAID provides technical assistance and training for the Supreme Court, Constitutional Tribunal Public Defense and Attorney General’s Office, as part of long-term efforts to improve access to more effective and transparent justice. USAID has worked with the Government of Bolivia for more than a decade to help implement a reformed Code of Criminal Procedure, and is presently upporting consolidation of judicial institutions. Specific programs in Chuquisaca include: implementation of a case tracking system (IANUS) and a security system in the Supreme Court; a computer system to support judicial research and uniform sentencing in the Constitutional Tribunal; and support for the Public Ministry in the installation of a customer reception area to improve services to citizens and help relieve the backlog of cases. This support is aimed at helping Bolivian institutions to increase the efficiency, effectiveness and transparency of justice services; mitigate delays in the administration of justice; and improve access to justice services for Bolivian citizens.

3.  EFFECTIVE DEPARTMENTAL GOVERNMENTS

With the installation of elected departmental governments in 2005, Bolivia took a significant step in strengthening accountable, decentralized government.  As it does worldwide, USAID is providing basic institutional strengthening technical assistance and training to Bolivia’s departmental governments to help them assume more effectively their new roles in planning, financing, and delivering services to citizens.
 
Similarly, USAID has worked closely and collaboratively with the municipal government of the capital city of Sucre and with neighborhood groups to undertake a temporary employment program in support of extension of the city’s sewer system. While the city of Sucre has put up most of the capital costs, USAID has effectively complemented this investment through the use of PL 480 food rations to hire hundreds of unemployed citizens to provide labor for the project.  In addition to the many jobs created, thousands of Sucre residents will have access to critical urban infrastructure.

4. COMMUNITY HEALTH

USAID coordinates closely with Departmental health authorities, municipal governments, local NGOs (including indigenous organizations), and international organizations to improve health conditions in Chuquisaca.  The USAID program improves access to quality services for maternal-child health, reproductive health and family planning, and the prevention and control of infectious diseases, including Chagas and HIV/AIDS. Program activities, including training, technical assistance, and provision of equipment, are implemented in 18 of Chuquisaca’s 28 municipalities. Also, a housing improvement project of the program is designed to reduce the spread of Chagas.  To date, 1,200 families in Chuquisaca have benefited from this activity, and 2,000 more will benefit in the future. In addition, USAID support enables community health workers to promote healthier behaviors in the home, deliver a basic package of services to the local population, and facilitate links with the public and private health systems.