The article details the challenges faced by Colombian farmers, particularly Alirio and Nicolas Caicedo, as they shift from coca cultivation to alternative crops like coffee under a government scheme. This $14.4 million initiative aims to eradicate coca production over 45,000 hectares in conflict-affected regions of Colombia. However, farmers face risks regarding the success of new crops and possible backlash from armed groups reliant on coca. While initial payments have been received, doubts remain among farmers about the project's viability in the presence of illegal armed groups who oppose the transition.
Uprooting the plants means that there will be no more harvests... from coca at least. With coca, the Caicedos said they were guaranteed an income of about $800 a month.
Farmers like the Caicedos are part of a $14.4m project aiming to eradicate coca production and replace it with coffee and cocoa crops.
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