According to the Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas (National Statistics Institute), in 2021 the population of the city of El Alto was 1,098,100.  El Alto is located next to the city of La Paz, the administrative capital of the country. 

​

El Alto is located at an altitude of 4050 meters, this altitude makes growing food difficult because the temperatures are cold and rarely go above 20 degrees celsius, even in the summer.  At the same time, the sun is very strong and sometimes burns the plants as they grow and quickly dries out the soil.  

​

The citizens of El Alto are disproportionately affected by climate change (I.e., unpredictable weather, strong sun) and by food insecurity.  

​

A lot of indigenous families have moved here to be close to La Paz to look for work.  However, they have difficulties keeping up.  Jobs are very competitive and many families have difficulties purchasing healthy and affordable food.  These issues are exacerbated by recent droughts and rapid urban and peri-urban growth. 

​

In El Alto we see a great need for alternative and independent food systems.  We support families in El Alto in having their own greenhouses.  We strengthen families and communities and help the most vulnerable to create a better life for their families.