ATTITUDES AND VALUES OF PERUVIAN COCA GROWERS*

Abstract

This study uses semi-structured interviews to examine the attitudes and values of Peruvian coca growers toward coca leaf and cocaine basic paste (CBP) consumption and its distribution. The subjects of the study were 186 coca growers from Peruvian jungle valleys who are involved in illegal commercialization of coca leaf and cocaine paste production. Data collected in 1994 reveal that growers consider coca leaf to be a most profitable product and a unique opportunity to improve their quality of life. Although growers acknowledge that a problem exists among local users, they do not assume any responsibility for CBP consumption and dissemination in rural areas. This leads to the conclusion that awareness of a CBP consumption problem is not enough for growers to stop drug production; they need consistent training in social values, as well as support in legal and economic alternatives. [Translations are provided in the International Abstracts Section of this issue.]

• Coca growers
• Cocaine basic paste
• Cocaine use
• Drug consumption
• Rural areas
• Narcotraffic
• Narcotraffickers

ABOUT CEDRO

The Center of Information and Education to Prevent Drug Use is a Peruvian non governmental organization focused on the field of drug abuse prevention. CEDRO has developed an integrative model of drug abuse prevention which includes peer-based community programs, family training and leaders involvement.

CEDRO's philosophy states that drug abuse is related to poverty, poor quality of life and lack of educational and laboral opportunities. Therefore, its actions are not only focused on the improvement of health and education but also on the promotion of employment in the context of democracy and human rights.

CEDRO, as a non governmental organization is mainly supported by international funds (USAID, NAS-U.S.; Kellogg, the European Union, GTZ of Germany, ODA of the United Kingdom), as well as by other private and local sources.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Maritza R. Rojas

Maritza R. Rojas, M.Sc., M.P.H., has been the Director of the Research Department at the Center of Information and Education to Prevent Drug Use (CEDRO) of Peru (1992–98) and a consultant (1999-01) for the Unit of Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs/Mental Health department, at the Division of Health Promotion and Protection – Panamerican Health Organization (U.S., Washington, D.C.). She received a Master of Science degree in Psychology at the Cayetano Heredia Peruvian University in 1996 and a Master of Public Health degree at Johns Hopkins University (U.S.) in 1998. She is currently completing her doctoral studies at the Mental Hygiene Department/Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University. She has published various papers and books analyzing supply and demand aspects of Peruvian drugs. Her specific areas of research include: the epidemiological study of tobacco use and tobacco attributable mortality in the American region; the epidemiological study of cocaine consumption and other drug misuse, public opinion studies about drug supply and demand, and social marketing (evaluation of mass campaigns to prevent drug misuse). She is also interested in research methods for community evaluation and planning for the prevention of drug-related problems. She has been studying attitudes and values of specific high-risk populations: Peruvian coca growers and their involvement in narcotraffic, young people and protective and risk factors in addictive behavior.