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:
Chimborazo, Cotopaxi und Tungurahua
Rank in the Human Development Index:
95 out of 191
Current Projects:
6
Annual budget:
CHF 878,053

Aims

  • Better living conditions for the indigenous population through the protection and sustainable use of the Andean natural areas «Páramos»
  • Strengthening the resilience of smallholder families in dealing with the risks of climate change, particularly through adapted cultivation methods, local seed promotion, biodiversity conservation and the protection of water resources.
  • Promotion of smallholder women’s associations to strengthen economic autonomy and improve socio-political participation.
  • Production, quality assurance and processing of agroecological products and their marketing on local and regional markets.
  • Strengthening citizen participation, promoting rights and interests and asserting the rights of the rural population vis-à-vis local governments and state authorities.

The Ecuador country programme is co-financed by the SDC programme funds.