Coraca-Protal is a peasant association that rallies and leads an extended project of local development in the Cochabamba region in the heart of Bolivia, by aiding the organisation of communities on arable lands with high yield potential and by organising the culture, production and marketing of produce. As thus the association puts in place training actions (agricultural techniques, plantation management, etc.), production plants (for locally grown chili peppers, garlic powder, honey, etc.), marketable trade circuits, etc. Coraca-Protal is a support for communities so they can make better profit of local resources, while conserving biodiversity (through organic agriculture).

The association is partnered with the Commitee for the Integration of Peasant Economic Organisations in the region of Cochabamba, which its’ voice to be heard clearly on all local and national levels, in order to make allegations, participate in negotiations with public powers and ally common forces to develop joint projects.

Birth of a partnership

Beginning in the 1980s little Bolivian peasants know an increase in poverty due to lack of arable land and the falling prices of agricultural goods. Because of these conditions many believe they have no choice but to flee towards the slums of big cities or to the region of Chaparé, where there is extensive though illegal cultivation of cocaine.

It’s with this in mind that Frères des Hommes decided to partner with Coraca-Protal in offering support to peasant communities in the region of Cochabamba. Several projects in aid of agricultural activity have been created, and today we have chosen to support two of these ventures, in which Coraca-Protal is engaged along with other peasant organisations : A marketing initiative through the creation of a joint business among peasant organisations attached to Cioec-Cochabamba (Kampesino) and a project to promote solidarity tourism at the national level (Tusoco network).