According to the Bolivian government, they have set a goal to become the only producer of their food by the year of 2020 through the support of small and medium farmers and investments in local food production.
To this extent, they have invested more than 40 million dollars in local production of food to increase the nation’s food sovereignty, according to the Public Institute for Food Sovereignty emphasizes.
The Institute’s director, Hilarion Callisaya, explains that their mission is to make sure that the country has no food import by 2020 and that the Andean-Amazon nation is the only food producer.
Is the Dream for Food Sovereignty Coming True?
In order for the plan to work, the Institute promotes small and medium farmers by helping them with funds to purchase equipment and seeds and thus, lower the costs for production and a higher yield.
Marisol Solano, deputy Minister of Rural Development and Agriculture, points out that more than 20 projects have been put forward for optimal food security and sovereignty.
These projects include support for breed of small ruminants and stronger production of tomatoes, potatoes, veggies, wheat, coffee, fruits, fish farming, and cocoa.
Bolivia government is also trying to create more state-owned corporations that participate in seed production. They believe this will motivate farmers to become a part of crop farming that is indigenous to the country.
The Progress Is already Happening
In comparison to the food production from 2014, the country is already witnessing 25 percent increase. They look to sustain this growth next year too.
The reduction of imported food will also benefit the GDP of the country. Also, it will lower transport emissions and support local farmers and businesses.
Agriculture is a pivotal industry because its progress will also lead to progress in other industries and sectors.
Nonetheless, it’s still remains an uncertainty whether Bolivia can achieve 100 percent food sovereignty in the following 5 years; however, the government’s initiative should definitely motivate and inspire other countries to follow suit.
If more governments worldwide find ways to empower their local farmers, there can be a lot of improvements, valuable for people and the environment.
Bolivia is also the origin of some Andean crops like chili, corn, quinoa, and potatoes. Therefore, it’s vital to strengthen the production systems, natural selection, and seed exchange among farmers that has been happening for centuries.
And, the government explains that their focus is to feed all of the country and their priority is in no way export. If it is, what will their citizens eat?
The Issue of Institutional Weakness
According to analysts, mistakes of the past should be avoided, for example, when food production wasn’t properly monitored and led to shortages and price hikes.
Nonetheless, for now, the consensus is that this law is well applied and could be the key to food security and sovereignty and intact biodiversity.
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