Peru is a leading producer of cocaine, an illegal industry that fuels criminality and damages rural communities. USAID supports the Government of Peru’s National Strategy for Combating Drugs by providing alternatives to coca cultivation and strengthening Peruvian capacity to confront drug mafias. This enormously successful model has lifted thousands of rural Peruvian families out of poverty by shifting them away from coca cultivation.

The narcotics trade in Peru feeds corruption and violence. It also perpetuates poverty in isolated areas of Peru’s Amazon. The Government of Peru negotiates with communities to give up coca and join the licit economy. USAID then helps farmers from these communities to plant cacao, coffee and other crops and connects them to producer associations. USAID programs also help local governments increase public investment and improve basic services to meet citizens’ needs. While these efforts have made a significant impact, there are still many coca-growing regions that need support.