Project poster (PDF)

Food

Bolivia

Planting a variety of crops

For generations, the Guaraní people of Bolivia worked as indentured servants for wealthy Spanish landowners. In the late 20th century, a consortium of nongovernmental organizations purchased land on behalf of the Guaraní, effectively liberating them.

In Villa Hermosa, an indigenous community 13 hours by bus from a major city, Justina Pinto and her husband Ernesto Flores now provide for their children by working their own land and raising a few animals.

In this region, MCC is striving to improve and develop sustainable agricultural practices and to encourage people to plant a variety of crops, instead of just corn as was planted in the past. Agricultural diversity leads to better nutrition and healthier soil and gives farmers some protection if one crop fails.

In cooperation with MCC, the community has planted pinto beans, high-protein corn, a new variety of hard corn, two kinds of peanuts and chile peppers. Some families have planted watermelon, garden vegetables and additional types of beans.

If contributions to a project exceed the amount needed, MCC will use the donations to support similar projects.