PROINPA

Background
PROINPA promotes technological innovation to improve the competitiveness of Andean agriculture (in particular potato and quinoa), food safety and the conservation as well as sustainable use of genetic resources, to benefit local farmers and Bolivian society as a whole. PROINPA currently operates 40 different projects, directly benefiting 11 000 people in more than 75 municipalities, 400 communities and in 7 departments of Bolivia.

Objectives
Bolivia is one of the 15 most bio-diverse countries in the world with a genetic reserve of great importance.

 PROINPA has three main objectives:

• To promote the conservation and usage of genetic resources
• To develop new technologies
• To promote these technologies

Who does PROINPA help?
PROINPA indirectly helps all of Bolivian society by ensuring the competitiveness and quality of Andean produce.

Working conditions
The main offices of PROINPA are situated about half an hour from Cochabamba city centre and count with three laboratories and two greenhouses, as well as staff who range from economists to molecular biologists.

PROINPA Programs
At present PROINPA does not have any volunteer specific programs. Volunteers would help staff according to experience and at times would be required to make trips into the surrounding communities. Volunteers are also welcome to do research.

Volunteer requirements

• Intermediate Spanish
• Experience/knowledge in relevant area, eg. Agronomy, Molecular Biology, Economics etc.
• Interest in agricultural issues and Andean products (potato, quinoa, peanut)
• Minimum stay of one month