Posted on 04/25/2012 4:31:00 AM PDT by Steve Peacock
A new project to help -- indeed, convince -- former coca-producers in Peru to pursue licit economic activities is about to be unveiled by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The agency will enlist the help of private contractors to help it "pursue the overall goal of promoting and sustaining licit local development in communities formerly dependent on an illicit economy."
The project will complement U.S.- and Peruvian-funded alternative development endeavors underway aiming " to reduce illicit coca cultivation in Peru." According to a presolicitation notice that U.S. Trade & Aid Monitor located today via routine database research:
USAID seeks to introduce licit lifestyles to communities who have had their illicit coca recently eradicated, convince these communities of the benefits of becoming (and remaining) coca-free, deliver limited assistance in order to gain community consent, support the negotiation of coca-free agreements with the GOP, and connect participants to strong, functioning government and non-government organizations that will help them meet their social and economic needs.
In addition to supporting the installation of alternative crops such as cacao, coffee, and oil palm, the selected USAID contractor will embark upon an information barrage of the Peruvian people to further reinforce these efforts.
The agency describes the informational component as a "diverse, multi-media communication program that will sustain the licit development gains made to date and ensure commitment to licit lifestyles."
USAID will release a formal Request for Proposals around May 21. The tentative delivery date for contractor services is October 2012. It did not disclose the project's estimated cost.
Source document: Solicitation #SOL-527-12-000013.
Good luck.
The value of cocaine to the end user is more than its weight in gold. Even so, the farmers that actually grow and press the coca are still very poor.
But, but I thought this problem was solved with asparagus back in 1991! You mean Peruvian farmers are still growing coca!? I’m shocked I tell, you, shocked!
http://www.keprtv.com/news/local/Asparagus-industry-sees-slight-recovery-148688495.html
(Mmm, fresh local asparagus. Time to make pickled asparagus!)
Oh, so the Obama administration wants to eradicate their means of self sufficiency. Then step in with US taxpayer money and support them and re educate them......Why would one not expect them to do exactly that?
Grow chocolate, not cocaine—works for me!
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