Ecuador

Páramos are unique ecosystems in the Andean highlands, rich in biodiversity. However, as a result of climate change, intensive farming and livestock-raising activities, these areas are deteriorating, exposing the indigenous peasant families who depend on them to great vulnerability.

As an expert in the fields of agroecology and gender equality, SWISSAID works in nine countries. On the ground and in close cooperation with local partners, we promote initiatives by people who are independently seeking a way out of poverty.

SWISSAID strengthens the independence of indigenous women in Ecuador. Agroecology, leadership, basic rights: Thanks to training in these areas, women can improve their food security and economic independence. And they help to combat violence.

The food report published by the Sufosec Alliance on the occasion of World Food Day on 16 October 2022 shows shocking results. It highlights the dramatic increase in hunger in the world with figures and testimonies from those affected in the South. But it also gives hope and shows a way out of the hunger crisis. For example, with agroecology.

28.04.2022 | In the Ecuadorian Andes, SWISSAID supports women farmers in producing in an agroecological way, as well as in marketing their products on the markets and raising awareness among the urban population. Paul Van Mele went to the province of Tungurahua in Ecuador and took part in a training course for women farmers on how to market their products. An amazing performance that he recounts in an article on agroinsight.com. Here is his story.   

The year 2020 was marked by uncertainty and concern – for Mariana Hortas as well. But despite the difficult circumstances, the Ecuadorian is optimistic about the future. Thanks to agroecology, she has reason for hope for herself and her family.

Isolated from the rest of the world and without information: the inhabitants of the indigenous community of Jubal in Ecuador have been left on their own since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Supply chains have collapsed, and farming families are threatened with malnutrition and financial hardship. Knowledge of agroecological farming methods promises salvation.

As a foundation for development cooperation, SWISSAID is also heavily affected by the corona virus. Faced with the crisis, each employee and each project had to reinvent themselves and often work in a hurry. On this page, you will find news from our partner countries for the months of March and April. –Translated with DeepL

25.03.2020 | The global corona crisis does not affect everyone equally. Some people are much more economically and socially affected than others. Women, who are often victims of domestic violence as well as being the sole earners of their families and in precarious employment, are especially under pressure.

Weren’t things better before? Not in Ecuador, and not for Raul Upaya Romero. The courses in agroecology have obviously left their mark on him. The smallholder’s sparse, low-yield land in the Ecuadorian Andes now thrives with a variety of different vegetables.

The right materials to hand, the necessary knowledge in their heads: with a little support, smallholder families in the Ecuadorian Andes can find their own way out of destitution. Once organised in water committees, they can protect their valuable water reserves for the long term – and thus also arm themselves against climate change.