Evaluation of the process of reincorporation for ex-combatants through a livestock system in Tibú, Colombia

Abstract

Social and armed conflicts in the Colombian, Salvadoran and Nicaraguan case began in the 20th century mainly due to the difficult access to land and the non-participation in politics of new idealistic currents. After 52 years of conflict in Colombia, negotiations began between the government and the armed group Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, People’s Army (FARC-EP). Thus, on September 26, 2016, the Peace Accords were signed and the implementation of collective productive projects in various areas of the country for the ex-combatant population was proposed as an alternative. In 2020, the idea of evaluating the reincorporation process was born together with the livestock project of a group of ex-combatants in the Caño Indio village of the municipality of Tibú. For this, an intentional non-probabilistic sampling was applied and 16 families with this condition were selected. The type of research was mixed, a survey-type questionnaire was applied with 40 closed questions, multiple choice and opinion. Additionally, workshops and focus groups were held that served to advance research and train them. Making use of Participatory Action Research (PAR); a SWOT matrix was designed. The results showed that the ex-combatants with the implementation of the livestock project complied with the route of reincorporation into civilian life and 100% expressed their commitment to the Peace agreements and the new alternatives for economic and social development; and contributed to develop consolidation strategies for the community project.