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Colombia's Economy

The 2016 Peace Deal

How Colombia signed a peace agreement with the FARC in 2016 after over 50 years of conflict, its economic provisions on land and crop substitution, and implementation challenges.

In 2016, Colombia signed a peace deal with the FARC.

Background

The conflict lasted over 50 years, killing hundreds of thousands and displacing millions.

Referendum

Voters narrowly rejected the first deal in October 2016; a revised deal was approved by Congress.

Nobel

President Juan Manuel Santos won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2016.

Economic provisions

  • Rural reform and land for farmers.
  • Crop substitution from coca to legal crops.
  • Reintegration of ex-fighters.

Challenges

  • Other armed groups moved into former FARC areas.
  • Slow implementation.

Peace dividend

Tourism and investment grew in formerly dangerous areas.

The former fighter

An ex-FARC member now runs a cooperative growing coffee and running tours.

Thinking peace deals end all violence

Other groups continue.

Key takeaways
  • The FARC deal was signed in 2016.
  • The conflict lasted over 50 years.
  • It included rural reform and crop substitution.
  • Implementation has been slow.
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