Bolivia
Bolivia
In Bolivia, over the last decade, the per capita consumption of beef has reached 43.5 kg annually. Chicken consumption is at 25.8 kg, while veal is at 17.7 kg per capita. Pork consumption has shown significant growth, increasing from an average of 3.5 kg per capita with specific areas like Santa Cruz now at 12 kg due to several campaigns promoting its consumption . Fish consumption, meanwhile, is lower at 2.5 kg per capita, with initiatives in place to double this amount .
Santa Cruz is the leading region in cattle and poultry production, holding 43.1% of Bolivia's cattle population with 4,010,258 heads. The region also dominates poultry production, with 52.6% in egg production and 49.9% in broiler chicken production nationwide . Other regions such as the eastern plains and Chaco contribute to the cattle industry, possessing 72% of the national cattle .
The distribution of livestock populations in Bolivia underscores the varied economic focuses across regions. Santa Cruz, housing 80% of the country's pork production and significant bovine numbers, clearly positions itself as a livestock hub . The eastern plains and Chaco, holding 72% of cattle, also focus significantly on the cattle industry, whereas the valleys and Altiplano have smaller shares, indicating diversified economic activities .
Several factors contributed to the rise in pork consumption in Santa Cruz. Key among them is the sustained promotion and campaigns encouraging pork use. Additionally, the concentration of pork production in Santa Cruz, producing 80% of the national supply, helped maintain low prices, boosting local consumption .
To increase fish consumption, Bolivia's Ministry of Rural Development and Lands, along with the National Fishing Program, are aiming to double per capita consumption from 2.5 kg to 5.2 kg. Strategies include organizing direct producer-to-consumer fairs with gastronomic elements to enhance attractiveness and accessibility .
Strategic initiatives to boost Bolivia's poultry and egg production primarily revolve around increasing output in key regions. Santa Cruz, a pivotal poultry-producing region, accounts for 52.6% of egg production and 49.9% of broiler chickens, signifying ongoing efforts to powerhouse these sectors through infrastructural investments and market expansion .
In Bolivia, pork consumption exhibits clear seasonal patterns, decreasing after Easter and rising as festive seasons (such as Christmas and New Year) approach. These fluctuations are largely driven by cultural practices and enhanced promotion campaigns during these high-consumption periods .
Veterinary and animal science professionals play a crucial role in Bolivia's agricultural development by administering animal health programs to prevent, treat, and control diseases. Their involvement in formulating national development policies and strategies further highlights their importance in enhancing animal production and health standards .
Bolivia addresses its dairy production challenges primarily through policies aiming to increase milk consumption and improve quality and commercialization. Efforts include incentivizing consumption and implementing programs to enhance production quality, given that issues such as low consumption and nutritional inadequacies persist .
The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted pork production in Santa Cruz, leading to the closure of 40% of the 115 formal farms due to a drastic decline in demand. This decline in demand caused the price of pork to fall by over 50%, creating financial strain on producers. The sector is making efforts to recover, although challenges such as rising costs of pork breeding inputs, like grain soy, exacerbate the situation .