Year 2, Third Quarter Report: New Alternatives Program

The program is achieving this through two program components: Transition Activities and Capacity Building Activities. Transition Activities comprise the set of activities that engage post-eradication communities, secure their commitment to remain free of coca cultivation, and coordinate and implement a set of activities designed to facilitate committed communities transition to licit lifestyles. These activities are implemented in strict coordination with DEVIDA, the Peruvian institution responsible for implementation of the 'national fight against drugs' and the Alternative Development Program in particular. During the third quarter of the New Alternative Program's second year, significant progress was made in the implementation of the DEVIDA/USAID Transition Program. The program exceeded its cumulative two-year target by 10%, with 7,761 agreements signed across the implementation area. The NAP team continued working closely with DEVIDA to ensure the program delivered on commitments included in transition agreements. The NAP team also made progress in supporting participants' transition to licit livelihoods and lifestyles, including the formation of 28 community management committees, the establishment of 27 community development plans, and the implementation of 12 committee-led initiatives. Additionally, 1,458 participants were trained in agroforestry cultivation using indigenous forest species as shade crops, and the use of organic fertilizer modules was expanded, producing over 11,000 liters of organic fertilizer that improved crop vigor. Capacity Building Activities amplify the impact of community transition activities by strengthening the capacity of public and private stakeholders to carry out activities and functions that contribute to the success of post-eradication activities. The project's commitment to advancing sustainable licit productive activities that incorporate environmental sustainability was recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture, which selected the integrated agroforestry model implemented in transition communities in the Monzon as a finalist in the first annual National Environmental Award. The reestablishment of coordination with DEVIDA led to NAP participation in 2015 operational planning for DEVIDA's transition activities. This work allows the NAP team to plan complementary activities for its joint operations with DEVIDA for the new operational year. In parallel, DEVIDA is working with NAP to integrate transition processes that NAP has helped systematize into its operations. The NAP team has maintained a high level of participation by women, with 33% participation in farmer field schools and 32% participation in all field training activities. The program has also made progress in promoting the commercialization of licit production from post-eradication areas, with the formation of 28 community management committees and the establishment of 27 community development plans. Overall, the New Alternatives Program has made significant progress in supporting the transitioning of communities in post-eradication areas from coca dependency to licit livelihoods. The program's commitment to advancing sustainable licit productive activities that incorporate environmental sustainability has been recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture, and the program continues to work closely with DEVIDA to ensure the success of transition activities.