Valoración económica de los huertos familiares y chacras de la comunidad Las Lagunas, Saraguro

Abstract

Abstract: This research aims to economically value the family gardens and smallholdings of the Las Lagunas indigenous community, located in the Saraguro canton of Ecuador. Using a qualitative methodology, the productive units were characterized, gender roles in food production were identified, and the Total Economic Value (TEV) was estimated, including monetary income, savings from self-consumption, avoided costs, and surplus land value. The results show that, although the sale of products represents a secondary source of income, the gardens and smallholdings generate a significant economic contribution through family savings and food security. Furthermore, it was found that women play a central role in agricultural management and the preservation of traditional knowledge. This research contributes to the recognition of the value of these agroecological systems and proposes guidelines for strengthening them from an intercultural, sustainable, and gender-sensitive perspective.