Land & Livelihood for Indigenous Peoples of the Chaco Region, Bolivia
Indigenous woman of the Bolivian Chaco looking for items from which to fashion natural crafts. Photo: CER-DET |
Center of Regional Studies for Development of Tarija – CER-DET
Indigenous people in South America's Gran Chaco region are the focus of a four-year collaboration between Church World Service and five local partners in Bolivia, Argentina, and Paraguay. Through this project, the struggles of indigenous people are gaining visibility, their voices are being heard in the decisions that affect their lives, and they are being encouraged to preserve their culture for future generations.
Indigenous communities are also gaining access to land and developing sustainable livelihoods through training in areas such as sustainable agricultural methods, developing seed banks, and improved goat and hog raising. Particular attention is being paid to youth—especially young women—in providing education and helping them to become empowered.
In Bolivia, CWS partner, CER-DET, the Center of Regional Studies for Development of Tarija, is working with indigenous communities in the municipalities of Entre Rios and Yacuiba, to strengthen their cooperative organizations, provide a sustainable and diversified agricultural system, improve livestock breeding and management, and increase incomes through better marketing of produce and crafts.
CER-DET has been accompanying Guarani communities from the Itika Guasu region, in O'Connor province, since 1989, promoting human and land rights. CER-DET is strengthening communities' production capabilities in order to achieve sustainable management of natural resources. It’s also supporting community trade initiatives through stockpiling centers that manage harvests.
Support for Church World Service helps make this program possible.
Updated 2/9/2006.
Read more about the Chaco region initiative. Also see our Photo Gallery: CWS Chaco Initiative..
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