Drug use and addiction is an ever-evolving public health crisis in the United States, with overdoses killing over 270,000 Americans in the past four years. Fentanyl, the primary killer, is often mixed with other more commonly used drugs like cocaine. Because Colombia supplies 90% of the cocaine consumed in the United States, combatting the root causes that lead to coca production can save thousands of American lives.

U.S.-Colombia diplomacy and cooperation, using a “whole of government” approach, has yielded enhanced counternarcotics cooperation, robust development of Colombia’s legitimate economy, and improved trade relations between the two nations. Our presence in Colombia is an example of how America’s engagement and leadership on the world stage can strengthen global economic security and provide tangible benefits back home.

Colombia – Past and Present

In the 1990’s, Medellin, Colombia’s second largest city, was the most dangerous city in the world. Even after the Colombian government killed the notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar in 1993, clashes with the left wing paramilitary group Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) persisted into the 2000’s. Violence and poverty plagued rural Colombia, with the homicide rate reaching an unprecedented and chilling scale of 381 murders per 100,000 people in 1991.

Thirty years later, the situation in Colombia has evolved from chaotic instability to a tenuous peace. Beginning in 2000, “Plan Colombia,” a coordinated partnership between the United States and Colombia, provided billions of dollars in security and economic assistance to eradicate coca production in Colombia. In 2016, the Colombian government signed a peace deal with FARC, promising political participation for FARC and rural land reform in exchange for demobilization. The United States has provided $1.5 billion in aid for the implementation of the peace accord, prioritizing expanded state presence and economic opportunity for residents of rural administrative regions.

U.S. Support for Colombia’s Rural Economy

USAID provides support for rural farmers to shift their land-use practices – giving them the financial support and technical assistance to transition from coca production to other crops such as rice and coffee. The Colombian government supports this effort, providing compensation payments to farmers to plant alternative crops or let the forest regenerate. Positive environmental benefits, such as eliminating the unlicensed cutting of timber and the use of chemical based fertilizers, are also a byproduct of the land-use change, which preserves the Colombian Amazon Rainforest for future generations.

In addition, U.S. engagement has unlocked access to financing opportunities for rural Colombians. Through partnerships with local financial institutions, USAID supported projects have provided farmers with loans, savings accounts, and crop insurance, ensuring they are financially secure throughout the year. From 2015 to 2022, a USAID funded project allocated $500 million in rural and agricultural loans. Further loans have been provided for entrepreneurs to start and scale up small and medium sized businesses. These businesses offer stable jobs in former conflict zones and inject money into local communities, luring Colombians away from the illicit economy. A thriving rural Colombian economy means less economic dependence on coca production, which benefits both Colombia and the United States.

Economic Benefits Back Home

U.S. engagement has led to a comprehensive free trade agreement with Colombia which has had great benefits for the American economy. Over the past decade, U.S. agricultural exports have grown by 235%, reaching $3.7 billion in 2023. Approximately 450 American businesses have investments in Colombia, and the United States and Colombia exchanged $39 billion worth of goods in 2022. Continued partnership with Colombia will allow further opportunities for America to engage economically.

Looking Ahead

Full implementation of the 2016 Peace Accords will provide the economic security Colombians need to shift away from coca production. Further, state presence in rural areas is required; state presence has expanded, but it remains incomplete. When the state is absent, drug trafficking organizations reappear and undermine progress. Additionally, communities need to be more directly involved in decision-making for development plans. The United States plays a critical role in supporting the Colombian government’s work to develop the rural Colombian economy and facilitate local engagement. Successful U.S.-Colombia collaboration to combat the root causes of coca production has the potential to save countless American lives.