Updated: 06/29/05

Promoting Economic and Social Alternatives to Illicit Crop Production

$273 million through 2005

Versión en español

The alternative development program seeks to increase economic opportunities for families affected by illegal crop production. Working with the private and public sectors in both rural and urban areas, USAID is helping small-scale producers, large agro-businesses, small and medium enterprises, commercial forestry services, artisans and others to develop marketable products and services that lead to long-term sustainable development. The program has expanded to a broader focus to establish the socio-institutional and economic pre-conditions necessary to promote sustainable economic growth in regions affected by or vulnerable to drug production and those areas with demonstrated political will to permanently abandon involvement in illicit activities. In doing so, the program works to strengthen private and public national and local institutions, expand rural infrastructure, strengthen local governance, and improve natural resource management. The program currently operates in 17 departments nationwide.

To date, USAID has supported the establishment of 62,964 hectares of licit crops, forest plantations, and cattle ranching in illicit drug-producing regions. Additionally, 54,780 families have benefited from USAID's activities, and 918 projects have been completed. Under the local governance component, 278 citizen oversight committees have been formed to promote transparency and accountability, 90 municipalities have improved the delivery of public services, and 102 municipalities have been physically strengthened.

A Study of Colombia's Agricultural Competitiveness

Program Activities

Specialty Coffees	Agribusiness Initiative
Milk Development	Alternative Development
Artisan Enterprise Initiative	Employment and income generation in areas affected by coca erradication in southern Bolivar and notheastern Antioquia
Forestry Initiative	Development of Social Infrastructure in Putumayo
Business Development	Center for Phitosanitary Excellence
Alternative Development in Indigenous Communities	Activities through UNDCP
Strengthening of Local Governments

Program Results (to March 31, 2005)

• 62,964 hectares of licit crops and cattle in areas with illicit crops
• 23,331 hectares of illicit crops manually erradicated
• 54,780 families benefited from productive projects supported by USAID
• 31,461 hectares of forest conserved and protected
• 918 social infrastructure projects finished and handed over to the communities