The impact of seasonality and climate variability on livelihood security in the Ecuadorian Andes

Abstract

The population of Guangaje, Ecuador is highly vulnerable to cyclical shifts in agricultural production. Current planting and harvesting cycles indicate the likelihood of close to 10 months of food insecurity and increased climatic variability has exacerbated food security issues by extending already existing periods of seasonal hunger. This degree of food vulnerability may help explain the population’s poor nutritional outcomes and lack of dietary diversity. Declining agricultural production has resulted in increased migration as households try to cover expenses. Although temporary migration enables families to meet immediate consumption needs, it shrinks on-farm labor capacity, which may negatively impact future harvests and reduce the quantity and diversity of household food consumption. Greater crop diversity, water retention and irrigation systems, and climate-adapted crops have the potential to decrease the impact of seasonality and increased climate variability on food and livelihood security. However, more research is needed to better understand the best approach and potential implications of these strategies.