Impacto de la sequía en la organización del trabajo de las familias agricultoras en Quilloac, provincia de Cañar en el periodo 2010-2020

Abstract

Climate change has consolidated itself as one of the most pressing challenges that contemporary societies must confront. In this context, our research focuses on a comprehensive analysis of how drought, one of the most prominent effects of climate change, has impacted the labor dynamics of agricultural families in Quilloac, a locality in the province of Cañar, during the period from 2010 to 2020. Our methodology is based on a case study approach that utilizes various data collection techniques to gain a deep understanding of the phenomenon under study. Our findings reveal that farmers in the region are aware of the magnitude of this phenomenon and have had to implement mitigation strategies to protect their crops. However, they have faced significant challenges, such as increasing production costs and water scarcity, resulting in reduced harvests and the search for economic alternatives. This has led to increased migration due to the lack of profitability in agriculture, resulting in changes in traditional gender roles within families. In this case, women have found themselves in the position of taking on leadership roles in the household, despite the challenges associated with entrenched gender structures in society.