Análisis del impacto de las remesas de migrantes sobre la reducción de la pobreza en Ecuador en el periodo 2000-2022

Abstract

Remittances from Ecuadorian emigrants have been crucial in improving the quality of life for many families since the late 1990s, covering basic needs such as education, health, and housing. This mixed-methods study analyzes the reduction of poverty and economic growth in Ecuador. The sample size calculation was performed using a 95% confidence level, which corresponds to a Z-value of 1.96. A margin of error of 5% (0.05) was adopted, and since no prior information was available on the proportion of beneficiaries, a value of p = 0.5 was used. The sample calculation is infinite, and the total number of valid surveys was 384. The Cronbach's alpha of the instrument was 0.89. Only Ecuadorian migrants were surveyed through Facebook groups. The results indicate a significant impact on poverty reduction between 2000 and 2022, especially in urban areas such as Guayaquil, Manabí, Azuay, and Pichincha. 21.9% of respondents believe that remittances always reduce poverty, and 24.2% believe they almost always do. It is found that the benefits are not distributed equitably, affecting rural areas less. According to the Multidimensional Poverty Index, which takes into account access to basic services and income, remittances have had a significant impact on poverty reduction during the period 2000-2022 in Ecuador, especially in the urban regions of Guayaquil, Manabí, Azuay, and Pichincha. It is concluded that the impact has been positive in reducing poverty in Ecuador, but not all regions of Ecuador have experienced equitable improvements. Data from the World Bank and the Central Bank of Ecuador (B.C.E.) reflect that GDP had a positive effect and that rural areas are less favored.