SAN PABLO, Colombia – Yoger Payares tends rows of towering oil palm trees on his modest farm in Caño Barbú, a small village just outside San Pablo in northern Colombia. The change from coca cultivation to palm oil production reflects a broader shift driven by government subsidies and a sustained crackdown on armed groups that once dominated the region. For Payares, the transition has meant more than just a new crop—it has meant a return to a life free from the violence that once defined his community. “We now live without this violence,” he told The Guardian, describing how the absence of armed actors has allowed his community to focus on legitimate livelihoods.
The shift from coca to palm oil is part of a national strategy that has intensified in recent years. Official data released in 2024 shows a 42 percent reduction in coca cultivation in the Department of Bolívar, where San Pablo is located, following a combination of crop-substitution programs and military operations targeting drug-trafficking organizations. Smallholder farmers like Payares receive financial incentives, technical training, and access to credit under the government’s “Rural Development and Alternative Crops” initiative. This program, launched in 2020, aims to dismantle the economic and social networks that sustain illicit coca production by offering farmers a viable alternative.
According to The Guardian, the program has provided over 3,000 families with seed-palm trees and equipment, enabling them to convert former coca fields into productive palm oil plantations. The palm oil sector is projected to generate $120 million in annual revenue for the region by 2028, according to a Ministry of Agriculture report. This financial boost is not just a boon for individual farmers but also a strategic move by the Colombian government to reduce reliance on coca, which has long been a cornerstone of the country’s illegal economy.
What happened
The transition from coca to palm oil in Bolívar began as a response to the persistent violence and instability fueled by drug cartels and armed groups. For decades, coca cultivation in the region was controlled by paramilitary organizations and criminal networks that used the crop to fund their operations. The government’s crackdown on these groups, combined with economic incentives for farmers, created a dual approach to dismantling the coca trade.
In 2020, the Ministry of Agriculture launched the “Rural Development and Alternative Crops” initiative, offering farmers subsidies to switch to palm oil, a crop with growing global demand. The program provided financial support for land preparation, seedlings, and machinery, while also offering training in sustainable farming practices. Payares, who had previously cultivated coca, was one of the first to participate. His farm, once a hub of illicit activity, now produces palm oil that is sold to local processors and exported to international markets.
The success of the program is evident in the data. According to the 2024 report, coca cultivation in Bolívar dropped from 12,000 hectares in 2020 to 7,000 hectares in 2024. This reduction is attributed to both the government’s enforcement efforts and the economic appeal of palm oil. Farmers who switched to palm oil reported higher yields and more stable income compared to the volatile profits of coca, which were often disrupted by seizures or market fluctuations.
The crackdown on armed groups has also played a critical role. Military operations targeting drug-trafficking organizations have reduced their presence in the region, making it safer for farmers to cultivate alternative crops. This shift has not only disrupted the flow of coca but also weakened the financial backbone of criminal networks that once thrived on the drug trade.
Why it matters
The shift from coca to palm oil represents a significant step in Colombia’s broader effort to combat drug-related violence and economic instability. For farmers like Payares, the change has brought tangible benefits. “Before, we were always on edge, worried about raids or violence,” Payares said. “Now, we can plan for the future, invest in our families, and build something sustainable.”
Beyond individual success stories, the program has broader implications for national security and economic development. By reducing coca cultivation, the government is undermining the financial infrastructure of drug cartels, which rely on the crop to fund their operations. This, in turn, could lead to a decline in violence and corruption in the region. Additionally, the growth of the palm oil sector provides a new economic opportunity for rural communities, many of which have long struggled with poverty and limited access to markets.
However, the transition is not without challenges. The environmental
Corrections
If you believe this article contains an error, contact Herald Express with the source URL and supporting evidence.
Story synopsis gathered from: Guardian International — source
