Coca Crops and Poverty in Colombia: Nariño's Story

Have you ever wondered why some areas are hit harder by poverty and illegal activities? Let's explore this through the lens of Nariño, a region in Colombia. With a Gini index of 0. 556 in 2022, Colombia is one of the most unequal countries in Latin America. Nariño, located in the southwest, faces extreme socioeconomic challenges. It's also the region with the most coca cultivation, contributing to 65% of Colombia's cocaine production. This study delves into how socioeconomic factors are spatially distributed and how they influence coca farming in Nariño. The research uses theories from economics and social sciences to create indices for education, health, public services, economic conditions, and vulnerability. By analyzing these factors spatially, it can pinpoint areas with high poverty and vulnerability. The findings show that the factors affecting coca cultivation vary by region. This means policies need to be tailored to each area to effectively combat illicit crops and promote sustainable development. Targeted interventions based on these insights can help tackle inequality and illegal economies in Colombia.