Regresar

Agroecological economy in a rural commune in Southern Ecuador

Abstract:

Agricultural and livestock production in rural communities contributes significantly to the country's economic growth and food security. The orchards are very important and for food production as for contribution to the recovery of natural resources. This is possible when we work with an agroecological approach. We measure the changes in the family economy of the Community "Indivisa" in Chinchanga, located between the towns Calvas and Sozoranga in the province of Loja, evaluated under the intervention of public and private organizations during the years 2006-2016. We conducted 169 surveys for heads of households related to income, expenses, and monthly profitability of families. The results indicated an increase in the family income by 84.82% and profitability by 137.22% due to the sale of their new agricultural products and short cycle products. In addition, significant changes in income and profitability were evidenced between the two periods related to the diversification of agricultural production and home gardens. Education influenced the family economy of this commune; therefore, people with the highest income attended a secondary level.