How improved governance has benefited a nationwide association of agroecological producers in Bolivia

This case study from Bolivia is the first of six case studies on tactics that improve internal governance prepared by forest and farm producer organisations (FFPOs) for the Forest and Farm Facility (FFF). 

It describes the actions of the Association of Organizations of Ecological Producers of Bolivia (AOPEB) established in 1991 in Cochabamba of Bolivia. AOPEB operates nationally, supporting grassroots organisations in three geographical areas: the Andean (Altiplano) zone, sub-Andean (Valleys) zone and Eastern zone (Eastern Plains). AOPEB unites and represents 84 organisations including 61 member-based organisations, foundations and a university at the national level. Currently, AOPEB brings together approximately 70,000 organic producers in all nine departments of the country, spanning 77 municipalities. It helps its members to produce and market a wide variety of organic products including organic quinoa, chocolate, almonds and coffee, among others. 

Good internal governance has been key to AOPEB's success in supporting its members to produce organically grown products as well as in its advocacy work on environmentally friendly agricultural practices. This case study details innovative tactics in its internal structures, systems and practices leading to increased support and trust from its broad membership. One notable example is AOPEB’s attention to democratic election and re-election procedures – with a shortlisting process requiring a vote of confidence from a majority of affiliated members.