The conditions for smallholder families in the central Andean highlands of Ecuador are harsh. The climate crisis makes life even more difficult for the poorest people.

At 2,000 to 3,200 metres above sea level, smallholder families have a hard time. The small amount of land, often farmed by women, produces barely enough to survive. Agroecological production, drinking water and irrigation systems and the conservation of the high-Andean grasslands help them find a way out of their misery – and bring hope in times of climate crisis. SWISSAID also supports the rural population in demanding their rights from the State.

Facts

In the country since:
1978
Activity:
Bolívar, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Tungurahua
Rank in the Human Development Index:
95 out of 191
Current Projects:
4
Annual budget:
650'000 CHF

Aims

  • Village communities construct, maintain and manage drinking water and irrigation systems jointly.
  • Smallholder families study in agroecological farming and sell their products on agroecological markets.
  • The rural population is encouraged to represent their interests to the local government and state authorities and to demand their rights.

The Ecuador country program is co-financed by the SDC program contribution.