Obstáculos y Retos del Liderazgo Comunitario en Santa Ana, Cuenca – Ecuador: Análisis desde el Trabajo Social, 2025

Abstract

Community development management in rural contexts presents numerous complexities that directly impact the actions of community leaders. However, in the rural parish of Santa Ana, no research specifically analyzes the obstacles and challenges these leaders face in carrying out this management. In this context, the objective of this research was to analyze the obstacles and challenges faced by community leaders in managing community development in the parish of Santa Ana, Cuenca canton, Ecuador, during the year 2025. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach with a phenomenological design, aimed at understanding the experiences and perceptions of community actors. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, a focus group, and a participatory workshop, using four semi-structured guides as instruments. The sample consisted of 21 community leaders serving as presidents, 21 members of the Social Affairs Commission, and 21 strategic community actors. The results reveal territorial, institutional, and sociocultural obstacles that affect community development management, as well as challenges related to resource mobilization and coordination, the sustainability of community participation, the overload of personal, work, and family responsibilities, and internal organizational dynamics. In conclusion, the findings demonstrate the need to strengthen community development management through technical support and coordinated actions from the technical teams of the parish-level Decentralized Autonomous Governments and other local entities.