Why farmers see Colombia’s knife-edge election as a battle for the Amazon’s future

Colombian farmers in the Guaviare region are facing a precarious future, with their livelihoods intertwined with the ongoing struggle against deforestation and the threat of guerrilla violence. Pablo Peña, who settled in Guaviare in 1994 seeking to escape conflict and establish a farm, now describes his life as dominated by conflict and deforestation. Many small-scale landowners in the area are integrating conservation measures into their farming practices, a shift that represents progress but remains vulnerable to external pressures. The upcoming election in Colombia is viewed by these farmers as a critical juncture that will determine the future of the Amazon. The outcome of this election is seen as having significant implications for security and the environment in regions like Guaviare, where armed groups and poverty continue to pose substantial challenges. The article highlights that regardless of which candidate wins the election, the underlying issues of violence and economic hardship that drive deforestation are likely to persist, making the path forward for both farmers and the Amazon uncertain.