Impacto de la agricultura en el desarrollo económico y social de la parroquia Huachi Grande, cantón Ambato, provincia de Tungurahua

Abstract

This study analyzes the socioeconomic impact of agriculture in Huachi Grande parish (Ambato, Tungurahua) during the 2024-2025 biennium. Amidst soil degradation and chemical dependency, the research examines the transition toward sustainable models. The primary objective was to identify the advancements and limitations of local agroecological practices. Utilizing a descriptive qualitative approach and semi-structured interviews with twelve key stakeholders, a transition process based on technical training and the recovery of ancestral knowledge was determined. Results highlight the strengthening of the social network and productive diversification, while identifying critical challenges regarding market access, financing, and limited youth participation. It is concluded that integral agricultural sustainability in Huachi Grande strictly depends on consolidating coherent public policies, strengthening rural associativity, and establishing economic incentives to ensure territorial equity and the continuity of current community agroecological processes.