During two days of training, the 25th and 26th of February 2008, the Coordination for the Integration of Economic Organisation of Bolivian peasants (CIOEC) [1] set the goal of enabling peasant communities to benefit from the opportunities that computing science can offer. The training was on Internet-based research and on the use of computers.

For the occasion, a classroom of the university of Valle de Cochabamba was made available to the representatives of various rural economic organisations from all over the country. Seated behind their computers, these students discovered and assimilated various basic techniques. These techniques are essential to strengthen their organisations, in order to improve their lifestyle. 

A better organisation to manage production 

The CIOEC-Bolivia has mobilized itself in the cause ofself-sufficiency in food production of rural populations, by dedicating itself  to the strengthening of rural economic organisations. The CIOEC was the instigator of the project. Often, the CIOEC organizes activities, meetings and training schemes which enable a strengthening ofthe management and marketing of items produced by rural communities, betokening a growing independence. The computer skills scheme is a new piece of the jigsaw.

	Community representatives focused on the advice of the teacher, Evelyn / © Franck Berteau.

During those two days, the members of organisations learned to use software - principally word processing - and for example, how to create a database for the characteristics of their products. “Before the training, we had difficulties in evaluating personal production levels. Now, we can see what everyone is doing and we can organise ourselves better.” says Fransisco Fermin, the secretary for Public Relation of the CIOEC-Bolivia, at the end of the meeting. In addition to word processing, a lot of basic skills were taught to the attendees, such as how to search for a webpage via a search engine, how to create and consult an email or how to save a file. These kinds of skills can give these communities access to new opportunities, such as the marketing of their products, and thus have more independence.  

Being aware of market opportunities thanks to Internet 

One of the common points between the participants was, among other things, the marketing -present or future- of their products for school canteens. Indeed, within the framework of the government programme Comprabol, aiming at easier access to the state contracts for small national businesses, various rural economic organisations have signed - or will be signing - agreements with local authorities. In this manner, some of their produce, compatible with the needs of town halls and schools, can find opportunities in school canteens. The use of Internet can help these organisations get information and to be permanently aware of the demand of various markets.  

Beyond practical improvements, the two-day meeting was an opportunity for the different organisations to get together and share the continual development of rural communities. “This workgroup is more than a simple training, it's another chance to meet, talk and share ideas” says Evelyn Orellana from the technologic, information and communication program of the CIOEC-Bolivia. The training ended with a formal graduation, to the satisfaction of all concerned. This is an additional step in the strengthening of rural communities, and therefore, in the fight for new rights.