Bolivians' Resilience Amidst Drought: Adapting To Scarcity

Bolivia is facing a severe crisis due to a combination of intense winter heat, water shortages, and rising average temperatures. The country has witnessed a rise in extreme weather events, with 2023 being the hottest year on record and the most severe drought in its history. The frequency and intensity of drought episodes are increasing in the highlands and plains of the country, with seven out of nine departments severely affected. This has resulted in a lack of rainfall, devastating floods, and water scarcity, leading to restrictions on water use and an increase in water-borne diseases. The effects are particularly detrimental in rural areas, where agriculture and livestock are the primary sources of income and jobs. To address the crisis, the Bolivian Red Cross is providing support to communities, and the government is implementing measures and investments to mitigate the impact.

Water shortages

The water shortages in Bolivia have severely impacted the country's agricultural sector. The lack of rainfall has damaged crops and led to the loss of livestock, threatening the food supply for thousands of families. In rural areas, where livelihoods depend on agriculture and livestock, the impact has been particularly devastating. The drought has also affected the country's largest department, Santa Cruz, which produces 61% of the country's food. As a result, over half of Bolivia's population faces food insecurity, with prices rising for increasingly scarce, low-quality food.

The water crisis has also had economic repercussions. For example, in the city of Oruro, which has been declared a disaster area, the drought has led to a decrease in income and jobs, as well as increased debt and migration. The long-term effects of the drought on the community, including reduced food production and water deficits, are expected to further exacerbate the economic situation.

In addition to economic and agricultural issues, the water shortages have also sparked social conflicts and protests. There have been conflicts between miners and farmers over the use of aquifers, and protests in major cities, with demonstrators demanding that the government address the water crisis. In one instance, residents of El Alto, near La Paz, briefly held authorities with a local water distribution company hostage, demanding an explanation for the government's plans to mitigate the water shortage.

To address the water crisis, the Bolivian government has implemented various measures and investments. They have allocated $17 million to tackle the drought and are working on over 800 water, sanitation, and irrigation projects. The government has also encouraged water rationing in some areas, while promoting changes in water usage habits in others.

Food insecurity

The situation is exacerbated by the fact that rural communities in Bolivia often lack access to vital resources like running water and electricity. This makes it even more challenging for them to engage in alternative livelihood activities or access other stable food sources. As a result, they often go hungry during lean seasons, and the unpredictability of farming due to recurring natural disasters further exacerbates their food insecurity.

The impact of food insecurity is far-reaching. For instance, in the region of Potosí, Bolivia, where few plants can survive at an altitude of 3,700 meters above sea level, potatoes have been a staple food and agricultural lifeline for generations. However, due to the recent drought and changing climate conditions, many families have lost their potato crops, leaving them without a primary source of nutrition. This has forced them to purchase food, despite having limited financial resources due to the scarcity of work opportunities in remote areas.

The loss of crops has also contributed to a significant rise in vegetable prices, further compounding the challenges faced by families struggling with food insecurity. In addition, the decrease in agricultural production impacts the market, driving up prices for increasingly scarce, low-quality food. This situation disproportionately affects individuals and families living in extreme poverty, as they are unable to afford or access nutritious food to maintain proper health.

To address food insecurity in Bolivia, various organizations are taking action. For example, the World Food Program (WFP) has been working in the country since 1963, providing technical support, advocacy, and communications to support the government's efforts. They also provide cash assistance to small-scale farmers to meet their food and nutritional needs in exchange for building or rehabilitating infrastructure. Additionally, Save the Children is helping women in affected areas become entrepreneurs, enabling them to earn an income and reduce their reliance on farming as their sole source of livelihood.

Livestock and crop losses

Droughts have a significant impact on Bolivia's agricultural sector, causing substantial losses in livestock and crops.

Livestock Losses

The prolonged drought in Bolivia has resulted in the deaths of many llamas, alpacas, sheep, and cows. The loss of these animals has had a devastating economic impact on communities, as they are a crucial source of income and livelihood for many families. Each llama lost translates to a financial loss of approximately $100 USD, which is equivalent to the cost of living for a month in some sectors. In addition, the drought has led to a decrease in herd sizes as farmers are forced to sell their livestock early or send them to slaughter. This early sale or slaughter of animals results in a financial loss for farmers, as they have spent years raising and investing in these animals.

Crop Losses

The lack of rain and soil moisture loss have led to the depletion of fields and the loss of staple food crops such as potatoes. The impact of the drought on crop production has resulted in food insecurity and malnutrition within the communities. The loss of crops has also contributed to the decrease in revenue for farmers, further exacerbating the economic toll of the drought.

The Bolivian Red Cross has been providing support to communities affected by the drought, but the long recovery process can lead families to make difficult decisions, such as selling their land or migrating in search of better opportunities.

Water rationing

In 2016, Bolivia experienced its worst drought in 25 years, which prompted the government to declare a state of emergency. This drought affected at least seven of the country's major cities, including La Paz, the capital, and its neighbouring city, El Alto. The Inkachaka, Ajunkota and Hampaturi dams, which supply drinking water to more than 30% of La Paz's population, were operating at extremely low capacities. The Inkachaka dam, for instance, was functioning at only 5% of its capacity. As a result, water rationing was implemented in La Paz for the first time, impacting 80,000 people.

In 2023, Bolivia endured another severe drought, which affected over half a million families across six departments. The drought continued into 2024, with seven of the country's nine departments experiencing water shortages. The government has imposed water rationing in several areas, including Lorocota, a community north of La Paz. Families in Lorocota can only access unpurified spring water for two hours each day, and they must wash their clothes in a polluted river.

In Potosí, a city of around 850,000 people, a department-wide emergency has been declared due to severe water shortages. The city is currently rationing water, as the reservoirs and lakes that supply it are expected to run dry by December. The distribution of potable water has been halved, and the irrigation of parks and gardens is prohibited.

The water crisis in Bolivia has severe consequences for agriculture and food security. The lack of water has damaged crops and killed livestock, threatening the livelihoods of those who depend on agriculture. The frequency and intensity of drought episodes are increasing, and the country is vulnerable to the impacts of the climate crisis. Bolivia is taking measures to adapt to these changes and mitigate the effects on its water supply, but the situation remains critical.

Water quality decrease

Water scarcity during a drought can lead to a decrease in water quality. This is a significant issue in Bolivia, where water quality is already a concern due to pollution from mining. The lack of water also reduces the frequency with which people can hydrate and weakens hygiene measures, leading to an increase in stomach and infectious diseases.

The decrease in water quality during a drought can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the limited water resources may become contaminated as a result of increased concentration of pollutants. With less water available, the dilution of contaminants is reduced, leading to higher pollutant concentrations in the remaining water sources. This is particularly relevant in Bolivia, where mining activities contribute to water pollution. The country's water sources, such as rivers and lakes, may become more polluted during a drought as the reduced water flow decreases the self-purifying capacity of these water bodies.

Additionally, the drought conditions can alter soil properties, making the topsoil more susceptible to erosion and dust formation. The dry and loose topsoil can be easily picked up by wind, leading to an increase in dust and particulate matter in the air. When the drought is followed by heavy rainfall, the altered soil properties can also lead to flash floods, as the water runs off the compacted soil instead of infiltrating it. This runoff can carry pollutants, such as sediment, chemicals, and waste, further degrading water quality.

The impact of decreased water quality during a drought can be far-reaching. As mentioned earlier, the reduction in water availability and quality can lead to a higher incidence of waterborne diseases, such as diarrhea and stomach infections. It can also affect the agricultural sector, as crops may be exposed to higher levels of contaminants in the irrigation water, leading to reduced crop yields and possible contamination of produce. The decreased water quality can also have economic implications, as the treatment of contaminated water becomes more costly and labor-intensive.

To mitigate the effects of decreased water quality during a drought, it is essential to implement short-term and long-term strategies. Short-term measures may include providing alternative water sources, such as water tanks or water purification systems, to ensure access to clean drinking water. Educating communities about water conservation and hygiene practices can also help reduce water consumption and prevent the spread of diseases. In the long term, implementing sustainable water management practices, improving water infrastructure, and addressing the sources of water pollution, such as regulating mining activities, are crucial to enhancing water quality and reducing the impact of droughts on water resources.

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