The struggle of farmers in Colombia who want to leave the cocaine trade behind but face numerous challenges and a lack of support from the government is a complex and multifaceted issue. The article highlights the personal stories of farmers like Perea and Hernández, who have tried to quit growing coca but have been let down by the promised assistance. The government's crop substitution program, known as PNIS, aimed to help farmers move away from coca and build legal livelihoods, but it has fallen short due to delayed payments, weak state presence, and poor coordination. The article also discusses the economic and security challenges that make it difficult for farmers to leave the coca trade, including the high demand for cocaine in the US and Europe, and the presence of armed groups that control trafficking routes and local economies. The government's efforts to address these issues through programs like RenHacemos are promising, but analysts question whether they can deliver lasting change. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to addressing the challenges faced by farmers in Colombia.
