Strikes and road blockades are exacerbating the supply crisis in Bolivia. In La Paz and El Alto, food is becoming scarce and unaffordable for many families. Mission 21's partner organizations provide support under difficult conditions and are committed to dialogue and peace.
The political crisis in Bolivia is intensifying. For weeks, protests and road blockades have been causing supply shortages throughout the country. The regions around La Paz and El Alto are particularly affected, where food is becoming scarce and prices have risen sharply.
The current tensions have been triggered by ongoing protests against the new government of President Rodrigo Paz. Various social movements, trade unions and supporters of former President Evo Morales are calling for his resignation. Over 90 blockades have now been set up across the country. The Bolivian people are demanding that the government declare a state of emergency and instruct the military to clear the streets together with the police. Observers fear further violent clashes.
The consequences for the population are serious. Many families have difficulties procuring food. In the cities of La Paz and El Alto, hardly any new goods are reaching the markets. Prices for basic foodstuffs have risen sharply and are hitting people on low incomes particularly hard. Even before the current crisis, many families in El Alto were living in precarious economic conditions.
The company's own resources are no longer sufficient
Mission 21's partner organizations are experiencing the effects directly. The organization FOCAPACI, which supports urban gardens in El Alto, reports that around 200 families are in urgent need of additional food aid. Thanks to the yields from their community gardens, they have been able to get through the past few weeks. But after five weeks of blockades, their own resources are no longer sufficient in many places.
PRODIASUR's work in rural regions is also severely restricted. In several communities, employees have been unable to support projects on site for weeks. Smallholder families are particularly affected: they are unable to sell their products, are losing important income and are finding it increasingly difficult to provide for their families. Some educational programs are therefore being held virtually again, as they were during the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite the tense situation, efforts are being made to engage in dialog. Various actors are trying to mediate between the parties to the conflict. Mission 21's partner organizations hope that these initiatives will contribute to a de-escalation and that supplies to the population can soon be secured again. Mission 21 is in close contact with its partner organizations on the ground and is following developments closely.
The current crisis is exacerbating the plight of many families in Bolivia. Your donation will help our partner organizations to provide affected people with food and strengthen their food security in the long term.
