Propuestas para el manejo sostenible de recursos naturales en comunidades agrícolas del volcán Ilaló
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Abstract
El Ilaló es un volcán inactivo de 3 169 m s. n. m., ubicado en la región interandina del Ecuador, a 8 km al este de Quito. Sirve como divisoria natural entre los valles de Los Chillos y Tumbaco. Las condiciones actuales del entorno, especialmente en las parroquias La Merced, Guangopolo, Alangasí y Tumbaco pertenecientes al cantón Quito, provincia de Pichincha motivaron un análisis de aspectos agroproductivos, socioeconómicos y ambientales de las comunidades agrícolas asentadas en sus laderas. Con el objetivo de comprender la situación actual, se realizaron visitas a distintas zonas agrícolas asentadas en el volcán Ilaló, las cuales forman parte esencial de la presente investigación. Se aplicaron herramientas de diagnóstico participativo y observación directa, lo que permitió recolectar información relevante sobre el uso de los recursos naturales e identificar las principales problemáticas que afectan a la población local. A partir del análisis, se construyó un árbol de problemas que evidenció las causas y efectos del deterioro ambiental, así como el limitado desarrollo socioeconómico de estas comunidades. Los resultados revelan múltiples limitaciones para alcanzar la sostenibilidad en la zona, entre ellas: falta de financiamiento para proyectos, uso inadecuado del suelo con predominancia de pasturas naturales y baja biodiversidad, deterioro de sistemas agroforestales, escasa rotación de cultivos, limitado uso de materia orgánica e ineficiencia en el manejo del riego. Además, se identificó un bajo nivel educativo, con prevalencia de analfabetismo y educación primaria incompleta. En respuesta a este diagnóstico, se plantean recomendaciones que conforman una propuesta orientada al manejo y uso sostenible de los recursos naturales, con el fin de fortalecer el desarrollo agroproductivo y ambiental de las comunidades ubicadas en el entorno del volcán Ilaló, en Quito, Ecuador.
Ilaló is an inactive volcano with an elevation of 3 169 meters above sea level, located in the Inter-Andean region of Ecuador, approximately 8 km east of Quito. It serves as a natural divide between the Los Chillos and Tumbaco valleys. The current environmental conditions particularly in the parishes of La Merced, Guangopolo, Alangasí, and Tumbaco, all part of the Quito canton in Pichincha Province motivated an analysis of agro-productive, socio- economic, and environmental aspects of the farming communities settled on its slopes. To better understand the current situation, field visits were conducted across various agricultural zones located on Ilaló volcano, which constitute an essential part of this research. Participatory diagnostic tools and direct observation were applied, allowing for the collection of relevant information on the use of natural resources and the identification of the main issues affecting the local population. Based on this analysis, a problem tree was developed, illustrating the causes and effects of environmental degradation as well as the limited socio-economic development in these communities. The results reveal multiple barriers to achieving sustainability in the area, including: lack of funding for development projects, inadequate land use dominated by natural pastures and low biodiversity, degradation of agroforestry systems, limited crop rotation, minimal use of organic matter, and inefficient irrigation management. Additionally, a low educational level was identified, with a high prevalence of illiteracy and incomplete primary education. In response to these findings, a series of recommendations are proposed to promote the sustainable management and use of natural resources, aiming to enhance agro-productive and environmental development for the communities located around the Ilaló volcano in Quito, Ecuador.
Ilaló is an inactive volcano with an elevation of 3 169 meters above sea level, located in the Inter-Andean region of Ecuador, approximately 8 km east of Quito. It serves as a natural divide between the Los Chillos and Tumbaco valleys. The current environmental conditions particularly in the parishes of La Merced, Guangopolo, Alangasí, and Tumbaco, all part of the Quito canton in Pichincha Province motivated an analysis of agro-productive, socio- economic, and environmental aspects of the farming communities settled on its slopes. To better understand the current situation, field visits were conducted across various agricultural zones located on Ilaló volcano, which constitute an essential part of this research. Participatory diagnostic tools and direct observation were applied, allowing for the collection of relevant information on the use of natural resources and the identification of the main issues affecting the local population. Based on this analysis, a problem tree was developed, illustrating the causes and effects of environmental degradation as well as the limited socio-economic development in these communities. The results reveal multiple barriers to achieving sustainability in the area, including: lack of funding for development projects, inadequate land use dominated by natural pastures and low biodiversity, degradation of agroforestry systems, limited crop rotation, minimal use of organic matter, and inefficient irrigation management. Additionally, a low educational level was identified, with a high prevalence of illiteracy and incomplete primary education. In response to these findings, a series of recommendations are proposed to promote the sustainable management and use of natural resources, aiming to enhance agro-productive and environmental development for the communities located around the Ilaló volcano in Quito, Ecuador.
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Vol. 12, No. 2