The project aimed to incentivize the implementation of sustainable productive activities that would improve the living conditions of families and generate employment in rural areas. This included training in sustainable agricultural techniques and access to markets for their products.
A key component of the project was the promotion of agricultural practices that were economically viable and respectful of local ecosystems. This involved eradicating illicit crops and restoring degraded areas, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability.
The project emphasized the importance of active community involvement in designing and implementing solutions. Collective construction was encouraged to ensure that the voices and needs of beneficiaries were heard, fostering a sense of belonging and shared responsibility for the development of their territories.
An exhaustive technical analysis was conducted using databases from the Ministry of Agriculture, IGAC, and Natural Parks. Socialization forums were held at departmental, municipal, and local levels to identify areas with illicit crops, known as "Coca Free Zones."
To access the program, families were required to complete total eradication and not replant illicit crops, verified by an external validator. Additionally, they had to attend training workshops that provided social and technical support.
The program did not offer subsidies, but rather economic incentives conditioned on compliance with the requirements. These incentives were uniform for all families and were funded through the national budget and international cooperation. Families received bank transfers every two months and participated in productive projects aligned with conservation areas.
Instead of individual approaches, the program fostered collective construction, emphasizing social oversight and active community participation. It promoted savings and responsible resource management, ensuring that women received resources directly.
Not only achieved a significant reduction in illicit crops but also established a sustainable development model that empowered affected communities. By integrating eradication with economic development and community participation, the project contributed to creating a safer and more prosperous environment, offering a pathway to legality and well-being in rural areas of Colombia. Its legacy lies in the transformation of lives and the creation of a more hopeful future for historically vulnerable populations.