Bolivia Fact Sheet
June 2007
In March 2004, USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) launched its Bolivia program to help reduce tensions in areas prone to social conflict and to assist the country in preparing for key electoral events. At the time, Bolivia was experiencing heightened political unrest following the resignation of President Gonzales Sánchez de Lozada, in addition to increasing demands for regional autonomy from several departments (i.e., administrative divisions). OTI's activities sought to improve access to balanced information on issues of national importance; promote peaceful participation and economic opportunity in marginalized areas; and conduct civic education and leadership training in support of Bolivia's emerging indigenous leadership.
For the first time, the general elections in December 2005 included the popular election of prefects (i.e., governors), making decentralization one of the key transition issues now facing the country. Responding to the new political dynamic, OTI retargeted its program to reflect the needs of a country engaged in a process of expanding regional authority. OTI activities are aimed at building the capacity of prefect-led departmental governments and helping indigenous groups increase their access to, and participation in, Bolivia's political system. Since March 2004, OTI has committed more than $13 million to 374 projects through its partner, Casals and Associates. The projects have been implemented in collaboration with civil society organizations, indigenous groups, and local and national government bodies.
Program Activities since February 2006
- Supporting the decentralization process through strengthened departmental governments ($4.4 million to 113 projects): OTI provides technical support to Bolivia's nine prefectures to train departmental government staff in planning, budgeting, and project management and improve institutional capacity related to financial and administrative systems, transparency mechanisms, communications, outreach, and other key areas.
- Promoting linkages between indigenous groups and democratic structures ($751,276 to 19 projects): Building on OTI's previous work with both highland and lowland indigenous groups, these activities are designed to help traditionally marginalized indigenous groups engage in the political process. Many of these projects are implemented in collaboration with prefectures, focusing on issues such as consensus building on local economic development priorities or decentralized service provision. OTI is currently supporting projects to provide leadership skills training and information on issues of national and regional importance in the Departments of Santa Cruz, PotosÃ, and La Paz.
- Fostering community participation in marginalized areas ($244,742 to 6 projects): OTI continues to support constructive engagement of youth and social organizations through income generation and school rehabilitation projects.
For further information, please contact:
In Washington, D.C: Chris Maness, OTI/LAC Program Manager, (202) 712-4231,chmaness@usaid.gov
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