Bolivia is rich in cultural diversity and natural resources. However, it also has one of the worst levels of poverty and inequality in Latin America, with women and indigenous peoples being the worst off.

Some 36 indigenous groups make up two thirds of Bolivia’s population of 10 million. Sixty per cent of the population lives in poverty, including 38 per cent in extreme poverty. Although there has been significant progress in recognizing the rights of indigenous peoples and women, ethnic and gender discrimination are still present.

Frequent and extreme natural disasters, related in part to climate change, further hinder people from making a sustainable living. Additionally, Bolivia has a deeply-rooted patriarchal culture, and internal migration has led to unsustainable agricultural practices.

Oxfam in Bolivia


Our work in Bolivia focuses on:

  • Reducing vulnerability to disasters (disaster risks management), and adaptive solutions to climate change.
  • Strengthening the capacity of people to influence redistributive policies, and the efficient and transparent management of the oil sector.
  • Programs for sustainable livelihoods.
  • Throughout we focus on training and empowering women, indigenous people and youth, especially in popular urban neighborhoods.