Alternative development is an approach aimed at reducing the vulnerabilities that lead to involvement in illicit crop cultivation and ultimately eliminating such cultivation. Alternative development can break the vicious cycle of rising illicit drug production, weakening rule of law, decreasing the growth of the licit economy, decreasing investment in licit sectors, strengthening organized crime, and increasing violence by effectively promoting factors fostering a sustainable licit economy. In the long run, this can attract investment and help to develop the necessary infrastructure, thereby changing and sustaining the livelihood of rural communities.