Colombian women pioneer sustainable fish farming, moving away from coca cultivation and towards ecological restoration.
The southern province of Putumayo, nestled at the edge of Colombia’s Amazon rainforest, has long been a hotspot for coca cultivation, the raw ingredient for cocaine. Fertile soil and limited infrastructure have made this region a magnet for illicit economies, fostering violence and environmental devastation. Yet, amid this challenging backdrop, a group of women is transforming the landscape—and the narrative.
The El Progreso Association of Female Fish Farmers and Agricultural Producers (ASOPPAEP), a women-led collective, is turning to fish farming as a sustainable alternative to coca. Situated near Puerto Caicedo, the group of 12 former coca farmers now cultivates tilapia and tambaqui in a series of aquaculture pools. Their efforts yield approximately 4,000 kilograms of fish every six months, offering a legal and environmentally conscious livelihood.
From illicit crops to sustainable farming
“For years, coca was our only viable income source,” explains Aura Ruiz, a representative of ASOPPAEP. “But it came with fear and uncertainty. Now, fish farming provides us with peace of mind and strengthens our community.”
Previously, the dominance of coca in Putumayo not only fuelled illegal economies but also wreaked havoc on the environment. Vast areas of rainforest were cleared for cultivation, destroying biodiversity. The processing of coca into cocaine compounded the damage, with toxic chemicals contaminating water sources.
This degradation posed a direct threat to local communities, eroding the very ecosystems they depend upon. In contrast, ASOPPAEP’s aquaculture prioritises ecological balance. The group employs sustainable practices, such as reusing fish by-products to create organic fertilisers and collagen, establishing a circular economy that benefits both the land and its people.
Challenges in transition
While ASOPPAEP’s work is commendable, transitioning to fish farming has not been without hurdles. The group faces significant financial risks, as their production cycle spans six months, leaving members reliant on supplemental incomes during off-seasons. Limited infrastructure further hampers access to larger markets, constraining the collective’s growth potential.
Security risks also persist. In a region marked by decades of armed conflict, rural livelihoods remain vulnerable to violence. “Economic alternatives like fish farming carry inherent risks,” notes Luz Ángela Florez, Amazon coordinator at WWF Colombia. “Coca remains economically unmatched, but these transitions are more about mitigating risks than solely replacing income.”
Government programmes like the National Program for the Substitution of Illicit Crops (PNIS), launched in 2017, were intended to support farmers in moving away from coca. However, inconsistent implementation has left many communities without adequate resources. This gap underscores the critical role of grassroots initiatives like ASOPPAEP, which continue to thrive despite limited state support.
Environmental restoration
The environmental impact of ASOPPAEP’s shift from coca to fish farming is profound. By avoiding deforestation and reducing chemical waste, the collective is helping to heal Putumayo’s fragile ecosystems. Their work contributes to conserving the Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the “lungs of the planet.”
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“We aim to protect without destroying,” Ruiz affirms. “Putumayo is part of the Amazon, and we recognise our responsibility to safeguard it for future generations.”
A model for the future
ASOPPAEP’s story offers hope and inspiration for other rural communities grappling with the economic and environmental challenges posed by coca cultivation. The group has aspirations to expand its activities, including growing fruits and vegetables and exploring ecotourism opportunities. By diversifying their projects, they aim to strengthen their financial resilience and further promote sustainable development.
“When transitioning to sustainable economies, community-led initiatives are crucial,” says Bram Ebus of the International Crisis Group. “They show what is possible when people are empowered to chart their own paths.”
Conclusion
ASOPPAEP’s journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of collective action. By embracing fish farming, these women are not only securing a better future for their families but also contributing to the restoration of one of the world’s most vital ecosystems. As Ruiz puts it, “Though the rewards are modest, this work gives us autonomy, peace, and hope. We will not go back.”
In Putumayo, the women of ASOPPAEP are proving that sustainable alternatives can indeed flourish—even in the shadow of the coca trade. Their efforts represent a small but significant step towards a greener and more peaceful Amazon.
