As the United States intensifies its efforts to eradicate coca through aerial spraying of glysophate, a powerful and extremely toxic herbicide, it is falling behind on its promises to stimulate the livelihoods of Colombian farmers. The spraying campaign, the main component of the broader Plan Colombia, has had disastrous impacts on the Colombian environment and is known to cause serious health effects for humans and animals that come in contact with the chemicals. Indigenous communities have been particularly hard hit by Plan Colombia, as they are often the poorest of coca farmers, and use the plant for spiritual and ritual purposes. Plan Colombia has led to a mass migration of farmers looking to avoid the sprayings, leading to increased deforestation and infringements on indigenous territory. While some who stay after sprayings have found temporary jobs provided by the Colombian government, there is little job security and no long term employment plans are in place. Some farmers had been able to grow limited amounts of coca for religious purposes. As eradication efforts continue, however, fumigators have started spraying any plot they find, infringing on indigenous rights and destroying any neighboring crops.
