La crianza de cuyes en la parroquia rural Tarqui del cantón Cuenca: situación socioeconómica, productiva y de género

Abstract

Guinea pig raising in Ecuador faces significant barriers in terms of access to resources, decision making and marketing opportunities. In this context, the main objective is to analyze the context of guinea pig raising in the rural parish of Tarqui, investigating socioeconomic, productive and gender aspects. For this purpose, a mixed methodology (quantitative and qualitative) is implemented. Among the main socioeconomic results, it was identified that this activity is mostly carried out by women, with a primary education level and an income often less than $240 per month. They own their own homes, with limited access to drinking water and sewerage. They are self-employed and are members of associations. Regarding the productive situation, this activity guarantees food security and is a source of income. However, it faces challenges such as deficient infrastructure, sanitary problems and low youth involvement, a situation that represents a risk to its sustainability. In terms of gender relations, this activity is characterized by the persistence of inequalities, as women lead this activity as an extension of their domestic roles. In conclusion, guinea pig raising has become a subsistence activity for rural families, mostly carried out by women. However, it is still considered a domestic activity of low economic impact marked by inequalities, due to the scarce access to credit, training and economic and productive resources, which limits its potential as a sustainable productive system.