Análisis de la educación financiera en la parroquia Izamba del cantón Ambato durante el período 2018-2022

Abstract

This academic article, entitled "Analysis of Financial Education in the Izamba Parish of the Ambato Canton during the Period 2018-2022", explores the impact of financial education programs in a specific community in Ecuador. The main objective of the study is to determine how these initiatives have influenced the financial literacy and socioeconomic development of the residents of the Izamba parish. The research is based on the premise that financial education is essential to empower people with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their finances. At the global level, the importance of financial literacy for the effective management of personal economic resources and the mitigation of risks associated with lack of financial literacy has been recognized. The study employs an exploratory descriptive and mixed research methodology, combining literature review, semi-structured interviews, and surveys to collect qualitative and quantitative data. The results indicate that, although there has been significant participation in financial education programs, their effectiveness has been moderate. Many participants do not continue to attend multiple talks, and the perception of their usefulness is varied. In addition, deficiencies in financial literacy are identified, especially in the creation of savings habits and the use of digital platforms for financial transactions. The analysis reveals that while some residents have improved their ability to manage their personal finances, the results are not uniform. There are areas that require significant improvements to ensure that programs are more relevant, accessible, and sustainable. Recommendations for improving these programs are discussed, including the need to tailor them to the specific needs of different demographic groups, integrate practical and ongoing monitoring components, and foster trust and the use of formal financial services. In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of financial education for the socioeconomic development of the community and proposes various strategies to improve the effectiveness of the programs implemented. Recommendations include increasing the relevance and accessibility of programs, integrating practical and monitoring components, and promoting the use of formal financial services to improve financial literacy and well-being for Izamba residents.