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Climate:
Torotoro is a region located in the Charcas province in the department
of Potosí at an altitude at or above 2000 meters above sea
level. It is located in the central zone of the Bolivian Andes.
It has a topography defined by high mountain ranges with rough,
rocky soil with few areas suitable for agriculture. The climate
is temperate and favourable for citrus crops and the production
of vegetables.
Work:
The main activity is agriculture in areas with soil favorable for
the cultivation of potato, lemon, barley, and wheat. Other important
crops are yams and peanuts. There is a lot of potential in tourism
with geological and paleontological relics and the location of the
zone inside of the Torotoro National Park.
Food:
Corn, wheat, potato, yam, citrus fruits, peanuts, and barley
Livestock:
Goats, sheep, burros, cows, pigs, dogs, chickens, other domestic animals
Typical
housing:
Most homes in the area are made of adobe bricks with straw roofs.
The bricks are hand-made by mixing mud and straw and drying the molded
brick in the sun. This type of housing is a large contributor to the
spread of Chagas disease. Currently there is a project underway which
is improving homes as a preventative measure for Chagas disease. The
average home of the area has two rooms: one for preparing food and
eating in, the other for sleeping.
Water:
There is an abundance of water in the area. However, only 50% of the
communities have potable water systems. Click
here for the story of one community's water system.
Electricity:
While all but the most remote communities have access to electricity,
many people can't take advantage of the access because the monthly
payments are too high for their income levels.
Sewage:
The township of Toro Toro has a sewage system which is often under
repair. Smaller communities surrounding Toro Toro generally have no
system. FHI's Water & Sanitation program has constructed outhouses
in two communities and UNICEF has constructed a number of outhouses
in other locations.
Religion:
Catholicism is combined with adoration of the Pachamama (Mother Earth).
Schools:
All the communities of this area have their own school. Some of these
only go to the 3rd or 4th grade. Students in the areas travel to the
nearest community with a higher grade level once they've completed
the highest level of the school in their community. The only community
with a complete high school is centrally located Toro Toro. Most students
continuing their education find housing in Toro Toro while they complete
their studies.
Health
problems:
Diarrhea, colds, Chagas disease, malnutrition
Biggest
hurdles to overcome:
Toro Toro abounds in natural resources which are gradually being stripped.
FHI has a big focus on natural resource management training in the
communities.
Best
aspects:
There exists great potential in the zone for tourism. Projects are
already underway for the protection of some of the natural relics
of the area which a view towards augmenting local incomes through
the tourist industry. Click
here to read about one project underway.
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