Alternative Development addresses the underlying causes of illicit drug crop cultivation, primarily the dependency created by the drug economy. It is hereby essential to promote new opportunities for legal and sustainable economic development. In line with recent regulatory advances, alternative development initiatives form a key strategy for reducing drug supply.
The evolving conceptualization of Alternative Development is linked to a broader understanding of the illicit drug supply chain as a highly profitable global business model at the upper levels of criminal organizations involved in drug-related crimes.
In this context, alternative development in rural and non-traditional settings becomes an effective and sustainable development measure. Ultimately, it aims to address the socio-economic vulnerabilities of populations dependent on illicit drug-related activities and to promote their transition to legal economies.
COPOLAD III offers workshops, study visits, dialogue forums, reports, and consultancy in this area to enhance the knowledge and training of this strategy in various countries and strives to drive the implementation of alternative development measures.
Implementing Partner:
GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH)
