Aporte a la seguridad alimentaria en el cantón Loja, mediante la implementación de huertos familiares sostenibles

Abstract

Poverty harms food security, because, unable to acquire diversity and quality of provisions, family food becomes unprofitable and can lead to various diseases. The family garden, as an alternative to food self-sufficiency, is an attractive proposal that can contribute to the eradication of the problem, since it can provide a healthy and fresh food for the home permanently and serve as a method of family entrepreneurship. For this reason, this work aims to contribute to the food security of families with limited economic resources in the Hoya de Loja (Ecuador), through a program of community trainings that promote the implementation and good management of sustainable family gardens. An information survey was carried out to measure the knowledge of the participants in food security and sustainable gardens; then, 50 families (41 effective participants) were trained through theoretical and practical workshops to strengthen their knowledge regarding the installation and management of orchards. Subsequently, collaborated in the installation and / or improvement of gardens in each of the beneficiary households. At the end, surveys were conducted to determine the level of satisfaction, motivation and commitment of the participants to continue with the proposed activities. As a result, it is considered that most families have the knowledge and motivation to manage the gardens independently and sustainably in their homes. The support of this type of activities is considered relevant to strengthen the food security of populations with limited economic resources.