In Colombia’s rural regions, farmers like José Gregorio Rojas are grappling with the challenges of moving away from coca cultivation, a crop deeply intertwined with their livelihoods. Rojas, once a “chemist” in coca paste production, joined the National Illicit Crop Substitution Program (PNIS) in hopes of starting anew. However, the program, launched in 2017 as part of the peace agreement between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), has fallen short of its promises.

Despite the government’s intentions, many farmers, including Rojas, have found it difficult to sustain their livelihoods without coca. “I was close to returning to coca because I couldn’t make ends meet,” Rojas admits. The PNIS program was supposed to help farmers transition to alternative crops, offering financial support and technical assistance. Yet, delays and underfunding have left many struggling. Rojas moved to Puerto Rico in Caquetá, uprooting his coca plants, only to find that the support provided was insufficient.

The program was intended to reduce drug trafficking by improving living conditions in rural areas, where coca cultivation is prevalent. However, farmers like Raul, who still has half a hectare of coca, highlight the difficulties of switching to other crops in regions with poor infrastructure and limited market access. “This land is fertile, but we need investment,” Raul notes.

The PNIS has been plagued by slow implementation, with many farmers waiting years for promised support. Even those who received assistance found it inadequate, with complaints of overpriced equipment and corruption. Although the government plans to improve the program, the timeline is tight, with only a year and a half left in President Gustavo Petro’s administration.

As global demand for cocaine rises, farmers are tempted to return to coca cultivation, which offers higher income and easier transport. Rojas and others warn that without viable alternatives, many will be forced back to growing coca, underscoring the need for more effective support and sustainable development in Colombia’s rural areas.