Background Information on UNGASS roundtable 5: Alternative development; regional, interregional and international cooperation on development-oriented balanced drug control policy; addressing socioeconomic issues

Illicit drug crop cultivation often takes place in isolated areas, involving people that are marginalized – socially, economically or geographically — from the main societal groups and suffering from poor socio-economic conditions. This means that people in such areas have limited or no access to basic services including education, sanitation and health care. It may also involve marginal ethnic groups in isolated areas, migrants or the descendants of migrants. In countries with significant cultivation of illicit crops in rural areas, the elimination of illicit crop cultivation can impact the income source and employment opportunities of labourers and farmers, and it is therefore only sustainable/effective when efforts to control drug cultivation are accompanied by long-term comprehensive, integrated, balanced and sustainable development-oriented measures to ensure provision of alternative livelihoods that communities can enjoy positive economic development

Alternative development continues to be recognised by Member States as a fundamental pillar of a comprehensive international drug crop control strategy, alongside law enforcement and eradication, and plays an important role as a development-oriented drug control approach grounded in the three international drug control conventions. Over recent years, a growing number of Member States have made a commitment to incorporate alternative development in their national drug control strategies

Alternative development means providing an economically viable, legal alternative to poor rural communities involved in growing coca bush, opium poppy or cannabis plant. It extends beyond crop substitution and sets a framework for a broader sustainable rural development approach in the areas affected by illicit crop cultivation. The 2009 Political Declaration and Plan of Action on International Cooperation Towards an Integrated and Balanced Strategy to Counter the World Drug Problem, as well as the UN Guiding Principles on Alternative Development (UN Guiding Principles) provide a comprehensive set of multi-sectorial interventions that take into account social, cultural, economic, political, educational and environmental aspects whilst incorporating, where appropriate, demand reduction measures. The UN Guiding Principles in particular offer the sufficient flexibility so countries and communities can adapt them to the prevailing socio-economic, cultural and legal circumstances. There is no “one-size fits all” approach to alternative development, and interventions must be adapted to the particular local contexts and to the broader sustainable development strategies and programmes. The UN Guiding Principles are fully compatible with the new 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda

Alternative development, including preventive alternative development, where appropriate, works when initiatives are informed by a long-term vision, sustained with adequate funding and political support, and integrated into broader national development, poverty reduction and country assistance strategies. Alternative development works if properly designed to meet the needs of the end beneficiaries in terms of viable licit income alternatives and basic socio-economic services

Illicit crop cultivation often takes place in areas with weak institutions, ongoing conflict and limited State presence. Security, good governance, access to land, and the rule of law are therefore critical factors and minimum conditions that must be in place to ensure that alternative development is successful. Alternative development interventions must be thoroughly and transparently designed, implemented, evaluated and monitored with the involvement of all relevant stakeholders (central government, local authorities, local leaders, and equally important, the beneficiary communities). Existing infrastructure, access to markets, cultural sensitivities and the commitment of beneficiary families to the programme must all be taken into consideration at the programme design stages

It is equally important to focus on a long-term approach based on permanent cash crops and move away from subsistence farming, which often only addresses food security. The long-term approach requires capacity building and the development of new, or the strengthening of existing, farmer-led organizations to benefit from economies of scale and to promote social cohesion. Experience also suggests that the implementation of sound agro-forestry systems allow for the production of cash crops, high value food crops, as well as for reforestation activities aimed at ensuring environmental sustainability. The identification of permanent cash crops must be based on a number of criteria collected at the field level. This includes socio-economic and agronomic data coupled with research on national and international market needs. The provision of training to beneficiary families on technical and entrepreneurial skills, agricultural and environmental best practices, marketing and production management is essential for effective and sustainable alternative development programmes. At the same time, and wherever feasible, opportunities outside of the agricultural sector must be explored to diversify income streams

The establishment of farmer-led organizations can ensure sustainability of alternative development and licit income opportunities over the long term, enabling access to credit, ensuring quality control of products, and creating links with local and international markets

When promoting agricultural production, specific crops proposed should be considered only when secure markets have been identified and when the necessary infrastructure, as well as the beneficiaries’ buy-in, is secured. Farmer communities are more likely to benefit from global markets and obtain better prices for their products if they are able to tap into niche markets. Accordingly, identifying speciality markets for high quality alternative development products is a critical aspect of strategy and programme development

Given the nature of small-scale farming in many parts of the world, gender equality in alternative development interventions must be promoted and equal conditions for full participation in decision- making within farmer-led organizations must be ensured. Environmental conservation must be seen as a cross cutting issue and proper attention given to ensuring that up to date forestry management practices are employed and that awareness is raised on the importance of maintaining a stable ecosystem (flora and fauna). The comprehensive alternative development approach includes an emphasis on reforestation; water management; reducing slash, burn and move on practices; avoiding crop monoculture; and promoting sustainable land use planning

Alternative development challenges are closely linked to broader governance and agricultural issues. This requires work on a wide front that includes rule of law, administration of justice, access to markets, land titling, and infrastructure development. In promoting alternative development at the field level, it is important to transfer knowledge and experience and to promote South-South cooperation

The 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda recognizes the need to build peaceful, just and inclusive societies that provide equal access to justice and that are based on respect for human rights, on effective rule of law and good governance at all levels and on transparent, effective and accountable institutions

In November 2015, the governments of Thailand and Germany, supported by UNODC, organized an International Seminar and Workshop on the Implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Alternative Development in the context of the International Conference on Alternative Development (ICAD 2) held in Thailand. The ICAD 2 outcome document recognized that alternative development is intrinsically linked and complementary to the recently adopted 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, considering that its implementation can contribute and create conditions conducive to achieving all the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) , in particular SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 17. With an emphasis on poverty reduction, sustainable agriculture, environmental protection, peaceful and inclusive communities and good governance, the SDGs offer a perfect platform for alternative development to deliver the intended results. The effectiveness of alternative development will also be contingent on promoting gender equality, reducing inequalities, as well as partnerships for sustainable development

It is important to promote an area-based and people-centred approach, based on the empowerment and ownership of local communities involved in the cultivation of illicit crops. Farmers and their communities, as well as relevant stakeholders, must be included in all steps of alternative development policy, strategy and programme formulation and implementation. The provision of agricultural support is important but insufficient. Support to communities must be broad and entail a host of social services, since alternative development must be viewed as more than just income