News in Brief:
– IFAD’s $165 million investment in Bolivia’s camelid sector over four decades has transformed rural communities, boosting incomes and resilience against climate change.
– Projects like ProCamélidos have led to significant economic gains, with llama meat sales reaching $32 million in 2022, showcasing the success of IFAD’s partnership with Bolivia.
The President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Álvaro Lario, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to Bolivia’s productive camelid sector, following a four-decade investment totaling $165 million in rural development.
Over the past 40 years, IFAD has co-financed 14 development projects in collaboration with the Bolivian government, amounting to a total investment of $291.5 million, with $165 million directly from IFAD. This partnership has focused extensively on bolstering the camelid sector, a vital component of Bolivia’s rural economy.
The official launch of the International Year of Camelids in La Paz marked a significant milestone. Bolivian President Luis Arce emphasized the importance of this initiative in revitalising traditional knowledge and values associated with camelids, particularly in the highlands. This renewed focus aims to strengthen rural communities and enhance their socio-cultural, ecological, and economic conditions.
IFAD’s investment has had a profound impact on local farmers, particularly those involved in camelid breeding. With nearly 50,000 participating families, the funding has supported the development of value chains, leading to increased incomes and resilience against climate change effects.
Success stories and future prospects
One standout project, ProCamélidos, has garnered international acclaim for its successful implementation. With IFAD’s recent investment of $18 million, this program has benefitted 18,000 rural households and significantly boosted llama meat sales in Bolivia, generating $32 million in revenue in 2022 alone.
IFAD’s commitment to Bolivia’s camelid sector is unwavering, reflecting a strong partnership with the government and local communities. As highlighted by Daniel Anavitarte, IFAD Director for Bolivia, future projects will focus on promoting agroecology and food security, with an investment of $23 million earmarked for the upcoming Agroecological Frontier project.
IFAD’s investments in Latin America and the Caribbean have reached unprecedented levels, totaling $1.6 billion across 17 countries. These efforts underscore IFAD’s mission to empower rural communities and drive sustainable development worldwide.
