Peru

		Peru is currently in the top three producers of coca bush in the world. Peru is currently in the top three producers of coca bush in the world, with 62,500 hectares of its land being under cultivation in 2011. UNODC's alternative development programme works closely with the Government and farmers to provide viable alternatives to coca bush cultivation. UNODC has been involved in alternative development in Peru for over 25 years by providing the technical assistance necessary for developing modern and commercially viable legal enterprises. UNODC has worked directly with over 8,000 farming families (40,000 people) that used to be dependent on coca bush cultivation. In Peru, UNODC supports the introduction of alternative development in areas like forest management, the protection of ecosystems in indigenous communities, livestock raising and the development and consolidation of legal and self-sustained economies through the marketing of palm oil, heart of palm, cacao and coffee. UNODC supports farming enterprises to implement modern management practices, meet international quality control and environmental protection standards, and open new national and export markets for their products. These enterprises have been extremely successful, with sales of products increasing steadily, year after year. Over the past 3 years, alternative development programmes improved the social and economic situation of families in targeted coca bush-growing areas through farmer-led small business enterprises, which were able to increase revenues on the international markets. Exports of products stemming from alternative development reached in excess of $150 million in 2012. Domestically, these enterprises also profited from positive marketing developments. In addition, beneficiaries have become partial owners through the purchase of shares.


		Alternative development with an environmental approach in Apurimac-Ene and south-eastern valleys, and in Pichis Palcazu, Aguaytia and Huallaga, Peru The main objective of this project, carried out in different areas, is to strengthen profitable productive activities and facilitate access to lucrative markets, assisting farmers to increase their income in the short term and establish themselves in a sustainable way, in their areas of origin, in the long term. All agricultural activities are based on licit cultivation (e. g. palm oil, cacao, pijuayo for palm heart and eucalyptus). Related alternative development interventions will be integrated into broader local and regional development initiatives, ensuring that all agricultural activities are carried out in an environmentally friendly way. Another aim of the project is to decrease the migration of inhabitants.

		Sustainable agricultural development to reduce poverty through environmentally sustainable approaches and gender empowerment The project targets an endemic coca producing area where both coca eradication and expansion is evident. Poverty indicators are very high compared to other districts, accompanied by soil degradation and de-forestation. The project area is part of the Peruvian Government's coca eradication priorities. The activities are focused on implementing viable agro-forestry schemes integrating them in a productive chain which ends in a successful commercialization in quality markets. To be sustainable the project strongly promotes a close coordination within all public and international entities active in the area. The project has a strong gender and environmental approach.