Does Forced Eradication Spread Coca Cultivation?

One explanation for the increasing number of hectares with coca cultivation is that eradication strategies displace coca crops, but do not completely clear affected areas. This study integrates georeferenced agricultural data... [ view full abstract ]

One explanation for the increasing number of hectares with coca cultivation is that eradication strategies displace coca crops, but do not completely clear affected areas. This study integrates georeferenced agricultural data through spatially explicit econometric models. Using a spatial panel data model, this paper tests the hypothesis that forced eradication generates spillover effects. The results suggest that aerial eradication activities in a municipality reduce the new area under coca cultivation by 8 percent in its municipality and by 3 percent in neighboring municipalities. Therefore, aerial eradication generates negative spillover effects.