Sistema organizacional de las comunidades en el área de influencia de la implementación de Wallipines piloto en el cantón Guamote

Abstract

The development of "Underground greenhouses for an Alternative Sustainable Agricultural Production in High Andean Areas above 3400 meters above sea level in the Guamote Canton" is research aimed at establishing semi-subterranean infrastructures known as "wallipines" (underground greenhouses) for vegetable production in the communities of the Guamote Canton. The extreme climate conditions of these communities posed a significant risk to agricultural and forage production. This situation becomes a potential risk for food sovereignty. Consequently, the research project required establishing a baseline and developing an organizational framework for the communities, ensuring the timely and comprehensive satisfaction of residents' needs and desires. Hence, the primary objective of the investigation was to develop an "Organizational System for the Cochaloma Totorillas, Chauzán Totorillas, and San Pedro de Yacupamba communities located in the influence area for implementing underground greenhouses in the Guamote Canton." The methodology in this research followed a qualitative and quantitative approach with a non-experimental cross-sectional design. This design enabled observing phenomena in their natural context over a specific period. The study incorporated documentary research and fieldwork to get information about reality and examine it in situ. These procedures were possible using several methods, techniques, and instruments, including interviews with community members and social promoters. The findings determined that the communities lacked a suitable organizational structure for implementing underground greenhouses. In addition, there are some disagreements regarding water access, political issues, and projects. The research concluded that the communities suffered from an inadequate organization, exacerbated by the harsh climate conditions that posed substantial production risks. Also, their limited or non-existent access to productive credit further contributed to their poor quality of life and food security.