Bolivia's altiplano is a high, sparse plateau on which only the hardiest people can survive. Poverty here is severe. Its inhabitants survive on communal subsistence farming, selling surplus crops in local markets to provide some income. Yet fluctuating yields make this income insecure.
The Japanese programme will alleviate this poverty by providing the Bolivian government with a fertiliser for selling cheaply to farmers to increase their crop yield. In this way the government can also recoup the countervalue fund element of the Non-Project Grant Aid programme (JNPGA).
Crown Agents manages the programme and last year sourced, procured and delivered USD2.5 millions-worth of fertiliser to four areas - Santa Cruz, Sucre, Cochabamba and PotosÃ. A full international competitive tender, with delivery to final destinations, was completed before the growing season began.
Our tender document combined risk management techniques with market and supplier knowledge, and included local logistics knowledge. In just one day we evaluated offers and, with our client's approval placed the order. Our inspectors verified that the fertiliser matched international standards.
Our local knowledge and procurement expertise ensured that the bulk fertiliser arrived at warehouses in good order and in time for growing season.
Demand for the affordable fertiliser guaranteed quick sales. This meant that the countervalue fund requirement of the JNPGA programme was met. These funds will be invested directly into Bolivia's Poverty Reduction Strategy Budget.