Research Articles Land, cows and bullets: A complex history of cattle ranching and armed conflict in Colombia
Cattle ranching in Colombia has been at the heart of the country’s agricultural economy for centuries, contributing significantly to rural livelihoods and national development. However, the sector has also played a profound role in the country’s armed conflict, where the dynamics of land ownership, power and violence are deeply intertwined.
A recent study titled Land, cows, and bullets: An untold history of cattle ranching during the armed conflict in Colombia (1980-2010), dives into this complex history, exploring how the industry and the conflict have been inseparably connected.
The deep roots of cattle ranching in Colombia’s armed conflict
Historically, cattle ranching in Colombia has been more than a mere economic activity; it was, and still is, for some a tool for power. As the study outlines, the accumulation of land through cattle ranching was a significant factor in securing political and economic control, particularly for regional elites over the twentieth century. Over the decades, this practice not only helped maintain the status quo of land distribution but also played a central role in the violent conflicts that plagued the country. The relationship between cattle ranching and armed conflict is often framed as a tale of violence, dispossession, and survival, with cattle becoming both a resource and a target in the ongoing battle for land and power.
The study highlights that during the 1980-2010 period, cattle ranching became a key element of Colombia’s war system, a concept described by Nazih Richani (2002). This "war system" was driven by a combination of state actors, guerrillas, paramilitaries, and criminal organizations, all vying for control over land and resources. While the large-scale cattle ranching elites often benefitted from paramilitary protection, smaller ranchers faced brutal victimization, from killings and kidnappings to the destruction of their cattle and property.
The impact of armed conflict on cattle ranching
Between 1980 and 2010, over 200 violent events related to cattle ranching were recorded, shedding light on the multifaceted ways in which the conflict affected this industry. The study developed a database of 206 violent incidents, cataloging the actors, locations, and types of violence. Most of these incidents occurred in two distinct periods: the first (1980-1995) saw guerrilla groups as the primary perpetrators, while the second (1996-2010) marked the rise of paramilitary groups.
The most common forms of violence included assassination of cattle ranchers, cattle theft, and extortion. Cattle ranching became not just a livelihood, but a pawn in the violent game of land accumulation and political control. As the study reveals, both guerrilla and paramilitary groups frequently extorted cattle ranchers, demanding protection money in exchange for safety. Land grabbing, displacement of cattle ranchers, and attacks on commercial cattle activities became routine tactics employed by armed factions.
Interestingly, the study also uncovered that, while large-scale cattle ranchers were often seen as supporting war efforts due to their economic and political ties, small and medium producers were also deeply affected by conflict. These ranchers, who were often caught in the middle of confrontations, suffered not only direct violence but also the loss of livelihoods and properties. The data suggests that, while larger producers might have had the means to survive or even thrive under the protection of armed groups, smaller farmers were typically the most vulnerable.
Land tenure and power struggle
A crucial element of the study’s findings is the role of land tenure during conflict. The unequal distribution of land has been a persistent issue in Colombia, present in diverse colonial periods and persisting during the conformation of an early republic. This historical inequality in landownership has fueled tensions between agrarian elites and rural populations, often leading to violent confrontations. Cattle ranching was central to this dynamic, with landowners using their cattle to solidify their economic and political power.
This land conflict was not just an economic battle, but also a social and political one, as elites sought to protect their interests while marginalized rural populations were displaced. The research underscores how land was not only a means of production but also a symbol of control, leading to widespread violence and the consolidation of power by armed groups aligned with political and economic elites.
Contemporary implications
The legacy of these violent dynamics is still felt in present-day Colombia. The peace agreements signed in 2002 and 2016 have opened new opportunities for addressing the historical issues of land dispossession and violence, but much work remains to be done. The study calls for a deeper investigation into how these past conflicts continue to shape the cattle sector, especially as Colombia strives to modernize its agricultural practices and shift towards more sustainable and productive systems.
Moreover, the study urges policymakers and researchers to consider the long-term effects of violence on rural development and the productivity of the cattle industry. The connection between armed conflict and cattle ranching is not just a historical issue; it has lasting implications for food security, environmental sustainability, and social equity. As the world grapples with issues like climate change and food sovereignty, understanding the complex interplay between agriculture and conflict becomes even more essential.
Judy Sánchez, a former combatant from Caquetá, Colombia, now building a new future through livestock farming, supported by initiative from the European Trust Fund for the Peace in Colombia. Credit: José Luis Urrea / CIAT
Conclusion
Land, Cows, and Bullets provides a much-needed examination of the role that cattle ranching has played in Colombia’s armed conflict. It reveals how deeply intertwined the cattle industry is with the country’s history of violence, land disputes, and political power. By uncovering these connections, the study contributes to a better understanding of how to build a more sustainable and stable future for Colombia’s cattle sector, while also addressing historical imbalances.
This research not only offers critical insights for Colombia but also draws parallels with other regions facing similar challenges, such as sub-Saharan Africa, where cattle ranching and armed conflict intersect in similar ways. As the study suggests, examining these connections is vital for future peacebuilding, agricultural development, and environmental sustainability efforts.
Acknowledgements
This work was carried out as part of the CGIAR Initiative Livestock & Climate (L&C) and the CGIAR Science Program on Sustainable Animal & Aquatic Foods (SAAF). We thank all donors who globally support our work through their contributions to the CGIAR System. The views expressed in this document may not be taken as the official views of these organizations.
