This document discusses alternative development and the role of civil society organizations in promoting it. Alternative development aims to prevent illicit drug cultivation through rural development programs. It began with simple crop substitution but now takes a more nuanced approach. Successful programs follow models like SALD which involve preparation, implementation, and eventual exit from communities. Alternative development faces challenges including lack of infrastructure, security issues, and need for long-term commitment. The document calls for stronger civil society involvement in oversight, monitoring, and ensuring commitment to alternative development programs over the long term.

1. Providing viable alternatives to illicit drug
cultivation

2.  EURAD is an ECOSOC registered NGO representing
over 50 grassroots organizations.
 Our mission is to reduce the burden on individuals,
families and societies at large by promoting
comprehensive, balanced and integrated policies.
 We strongly beleive that Civil Society has a strong role
to play in the progression of Alternative Development
in the UNGASS 2016 agenda.

3. Alternative Development
 ``a process to prevent and eliminate the illicit
cultivation of plants containing narcotics and
psychotropic substances through specifically designed
rural development measures in the context of sustained
national growth and sustainable development efforts in
countries taking action against drugs, recognizing the
particular socio-economic characteristics of the target
communities and groups, within the framework of a
comprehensive and permanent solution to the problem
of illicit drugs`` (UNODC, 2014)

4. History
 Began with very simple crop substition projects.
 Projects have become far more nuanced in recent
years.
 Following the example provided by the Doi Tung
project.

5. The SALD Model
 1. Initial Preparation of the Development Team
 2. Preparation of the Community
 3. Implementation
 4. Exit

6. Opportunities and challenges
 Illicit crop cultivation, in most cases, is not caused by
financial motivation but by necessity in order to
survive.
 Farmers of illicit crop are often in isolated and
insecure environments.
 DTOs and insurgency groups take control in these
“ungoverned spaces”.
 Requires long term political and economic
commitment.

7. Challenges
 Basic Infrastructure
 Community Development
 Education
 Agricultural Development
 Improved Markets
 Environmental Protection
 Gender Equality
 Security & rule of law
 Health

8. Role of Civil Society
 Stronger links between International and Local NGOs.
 Oversight to expose corruption
 Monitoring of projects success
 Ensuring that commitment remains over the long
term.

9. Further Recommendations
 Complete market and state integration.
 Formalised contracts and land rights.
 Manual and voluntary eradication to be carried out
alongside projects.
 Pre-emptive interventions.
 Support during crop lead times.
 Realistic Long-term time frame.

10. Q&A
Thank You very much for listening!