Andean Area Research Articles

Valuation of the sustainability of the dairy cattle production system in high andean areas of Colombia

The dairy cattle production system (SPGL) in the high areas of Colombia, located in the Ubaté and Chiquinquirá hydrographic basinaround the Fúquene lagoon, is considered one of the best areas to produce dairy products in the country. Many research andinvestment has been carried out in those areas to improve its competitiveness. Under this context, the objective of assessing the level ofsustainability of the SPGL was defined, from the supply and cultural ecosystem services (ES). The mixed approach methodologycollects primary information, validated with groups of experts that characterized the SPGL, and then assesses its sustainability. Thereliability and trustworthiness of the data are based on an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), which refines the variables and thenperforms a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) that exceeds the adjustment levels for this type of research. The results showsignificant direct causality of the SPGL sustainability level from the supply and cultural ES. Concluding, the dairy cattle production systems of the municipalities surrounding the Fúquene lagoon presents serious environmental, social, and productive problems, and only a holistic or novel approach such as the valuation of the in Supply and Cultural Ecosystem Services helps to resolve these problems.

Assessment of physicochemical characteristics and bioactive compounds of the essential oil of wild herbs aromatic from Andean region of South Perú.

Essential oils are a subject of study due to the heterogeneity of their components, which vary according to the genus and species of the plant material. The objective of this study was the physicochemical characterization and bioactive components of the essential oil (EO) extracted from wild punamuña (Satureja Boliviana) and runtuhuayra (Clinopodium Weberbaueri (Mansf.) Govaerts) herbs from high Andean areas of southern Peru. The extraction of the EO from both species was carried out using the steam distillation technique, the density characterization using gravimetric methods and the acidity, peroxide index and refraction by analytical methods recommended by the Norma Tecnica Peruana (NTP). The bioactive compounds were quantified using gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometry detector (GC-MS). A better EO performance was obtained from punañuna 0.38% (w/w) compared to runtuhuayra 0.28% (w/w); In both samples, the density and refractive index were similar values (0.93-0.94) g/mL and (1.528-1.520) (p>0.05) respectively; However, the acid and peroxide index showed a significant difference between the samples studied (p<0.05). 37 bioactive compounds synthesized as secondary metabolites in Satureja Boliviana EO were identified, with the majority being monoterpenes (62%) highlighted by menthone, L-menthone, pulegone and 3-cyclohexen-1-one. 2-isopropyl-5-methyl, linalool, α-cadinene and α-cadinol; Meanwhile, in the EO of Clinopodium Weberbaueri, 28 compounds were detected and quantified, in which monoterpenes predominate (61%) made up of pulegone (45.67%); isomenthol (13.85%), menthone (6.05%), carvacrol (5.39%), and also D-limonene; o-cymene; 3-octanol; β-pinene and α-terpineol successively. This characterization of the EO of the aforementioned samples reveals recent a new additive or ingredient alternative for the industry due to its biological value associated with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory activities and psychotherapeutics.

Life History of the Andean Condor in Ecuador

Background and Research Aims: Little information exists on the breeding behavior of the Andean Condor ( Vultur gryphus). Its global population, estimated at 6700 adult individuals, is declining throughout its distribution range. With less than 150 condors, the Endangered condor population in Ecuador is of conservation concern. This study aimed to analyze the breeding behavior of wild-born Andean Condors in Ecuador. Methods: Between 2009 and 2021, we monitored 22 egg-laying attempts in eight Andean Condor nests, evaluated the parental care of three breeding pairs of condors and recorded the species' interactions with other raptors and mammals during the nestling-rearing season, and examined the breeding success of an Andean Condor pair during a decade of monitoring. Results: Our breeding records indicated that Andean Condor lay eggs throughout the year, and 16 nestlings spent between six and 10 months in the nest before making their first flights. We found differences in the length of time that the parents remain with the nestling, and described agonistic encounters between condors and other raptors and a Spectacled Bear ( Tremarctos ornatus) in the condor nesting areas. The breeding success of the monitored condor pair was 0.88 nestlings per clutch, and the female laid an egg on average every 15 months. Conclusion: Considering the small size of the Andean Condor population in Ecuador, studies on the breeding behavior of wild-born condors are a high research priority to assess population trends and prevent extinction. Specifically, we recommend further research on parental care, breeding success, nestling survivorship, and nesting phenology. Implications for Conservation: Beyond the importance of the protected area system, strategic planning of key areas for the maintenance of condor populations in the northern Andes must encompass the evaluation of new potential protected areas that offer direct benefits to these birds. These should include nesting sites in human-dominated landscapes such as rural Andean areas.

Lightened Blocks of Plant Fibers and Clay Applied in Construction Systems for Housing in High Andean Areas

Lightened Blocks of Plant Fibers and Clay Applied in Construction Systems for Housing in High Andean Areas

The moon cycle influences reproductive and productive traits in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) from a tropical Andean area

ABSTRACT There is currently innumerable evidence showing that the lunar cycle affects various reproductive aspects in farm animals. However, there is very little information on the effect of the lunar cycle on productive traits in these species. A retrospective study was conducted (2015–2018) to evaluate the influence of the lunar cycle on some reproductive and productive traits in a guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) production system in the southern Andean region of Ecuador. A total of 7352 productive and reproductive records of guinea pig females housed in 3 m2 cages with a breeding male were analyzed. The following variables were considered: offspring sex ratio, litter size per cage, number of weaned guinea pigs, mortality, individual and litter weaning weight of guinea pigs, and calving frequency. The lunar cycle was split into eight periods of ~3.7-d length each. Data were analyzed by logistic regression and general linear model, and means were compared by the least mean squares method of the SAS. The offspring sex ratio was not correlated to the lunar cycle. The lunar cycle at mating and calving influenced the litter size per cage, number of weaned, and mortality of guinea pigs. The individual and litter-weaning weights were influenced by the lunar cycle at calving. The frequency of calving was greater around the new and full moon than in the remaining periods of the lunar cycle. In conclusion, the lunar cycle influenced several productive and reproductive traits in guinea pigs, such as litter size, mortality, number of pups weaned, and individual and litter weaning weights. This valuable information may have practical applications in management of guinea pig production systems.

The Andean Ibis (Theristicus branickii) in South America: potential distribution, presence in protected areas and anthropic threats

The avifauna of South America is one of the most widely studied groups of vertebrates. However, certain species, such as the Andean Ibis (Theristicus branickii), have received limited attention regarding their ecological patterns, biology, current distribution, and environmental requirements. This study analyzed observation data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) on the Andean Ibis in four countries to identify and understand critical variables that determine the species’ presence, assess the proportion of its habitat within protected areas and identify possible threats to the species. Additionally, this study considered environmental and ecological variables to model ecological niches using the maximum entropy approach in MaxEnt to map the suitable habitat of the species. The findings revealed the extent of suitable Andean Ibis habitats in Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Chile. The variables that most determined the presence of the species were: altitude (36.57%), distance to lakes (23.29%) and ecological isothermality (13.34%). The distribution area of the Andean Ibis totaled 300,095.00 km2, spanning both sides of the Andean mountains range. Human activities have left a significant impact on the Andean Ibis habitat, with 48% of this area impacted by the human footprint and only 10% of the territory falling within protected areas designated by the respective countries. The results of this study show that the Andean Ibis presents characteristics of a specialist species due to its adaptation to the climate conditions of the plateau and highlands, including low temperatures, herbaceous vegetation and the presence of water bodies. The species is distributed in disconnected Andean landscape areas, whose functionality could be compromised by increased human activities. Complementary studies will be necessary to understand the ecological role and effectiveness of protected areas for conserving the species.

Social acceptance, emissions analysis and potential applications of paper-waste briquettes in Andean areas

The research assessed waste-based briquettes consumption compared to conventional fuels in the Andes. Laboratory tests were conducted together with on-field analysis in Colquencha (Bolivia). The laboratory study shows that the performances of briquettes are better in terms of PM2.5 (933.4 ± 50.8 mg kg−1) and CO emissions (22.89 ± 2.40 g kg−1) compared to animal dung (6265.7 ± 1273.5 mgPM2.5 kg−1 and 48.10 ± 12.50 gCO kg−1), although the boiling time increased due to the lower fuel consumption rate and firepower compared to shrubs. The social survey organized with 150 Bolivian citizens suggested that low-income households are not able to pay for an alternative fuel: about 40% would pay less than 4 USD per month, while methane use for cooking is positively correlated with the income level (r = 0.244, p < 0.05). On field analysis suggested that local cookstoves are not appropriate for briquettes combustion since indoor air pollution overcomes 30 ppm of CO and 10 mgPM2.5 m-3. On balance, local small manufactures can be the main target for selling waste-based briquettes to reduce shrubs and wood consumption. However, briquettes production costs seem not yet competitive to natural easy-to-obtain fuels (i.e., animal dung). The research encourages the use of cellulosic and biomass waste-based briquettes in the Andean area for cooking, heating, or manufacturing and strongly advises policy-makers to introduce economic incentives for the recovery of secondary raw materials.

Sustainability of Informal Artisanal Mining in the Peruvian Andean Region

The purpose of this article is to reflect on the sustainability of informal artisanal mining in the Peruvian Andean area until the year 2022. The research is basic and non-experimental in design and ex post facto in scope. The sample consisted of crime prevention statistics on socio-environmental conflict from guardianship institutions and a television program on mining. Our research procedure focused on gathering secondary information for a documentary review analysis based on past proven and disseminated facts. Informal artisanal mining is strengthened in the Peruvian Andean area due to the following influencing factors: support represented as the social license granted by communal assemblies; the flexibility of governmental management in relaxing compliance related to formalization and preventive laws regarding environmental protection; the resistance to formalization and the 50% increase in socio-environmental conflict; and the 25% increase in production costs related agricultural activities, which promotes the displacement towards mining activities. The environmental sustainability consequences are as follows: limited reconversion of agricultural land-use change in one-third of the communal territories at the headwaters of the basin, which generates the displacement of environmentally friendly economic activity, and a parallel positive action is the impossibility of modification or intervention affecting water surfaces and wetlands due to communal agreements that mining companies must respect during operation.

Economic valuation of the ecosystem services of the water resource of the Cachi river basin, Ayacucho, Perú

Knowing economic value of ecosystem services makes it possible to identify the importance of ecosystems and their services, with which better decisions that have an impact on social well-being are expected. The objective of the study was to estimate the economic value of water ecosystem services (ES), from the Cachi basin.The novelty of the study lies in the application of a complete study of the Contingent Valuation Method (CVM), the Willingness to Pay (WTP) and the Willingness to Accept (WTA) were estimated. According to surveys carried out, 90.6% of the producers in the Cachi basin are WTP, 9.4% are not WTP for economic reasons. On the other hand, 92% of the inhabitants of the high Andean areas are WTA, only 8% do not accept an economic incentive, due to disagreements with the Regional Government of Ayacucho. The econometric results of the logit model showed that the producers are WTP, at most S/ 74.87/ha/campaign (19.50 USD), for the conservation of the hydrological ES for agricultural porpuses. While the inhabitants of the highland areas of the Cachi basin are WTA, the minimum amount of S/162.05 ha/bofedal/monthly (42.21 USD), in exchange for conserving the wetlands and pastures of the Cachi basin headwaters. It is concluded, the producers are WTP for obtaining continuity and quality of the supply of water for agricultural use, and they are WTA for the conservation and recovery of natural water sources. Putting these results into practice would contribute to the sustainability of the water supply in the high Andean areas, guaranteeing the provision of water resources to current and future generations in times of drought.

Conocimiento ancestral sobre el uso de plantas silvestres medicinales en el tratamiento de enfermedades en alpacas

In the high Andean areas, the main economic activity is alpaca raising, which is affected by various infectious and parasitic diseases. Rural populations often resort to wild plants that have diverse properties and help control various diseases. The objective was to document the uses of wild plants in the control of alpaca diseases in the high Andean areas of the Puno and Arequipa regions. Fifty alpaca-breeding families were interviewed in five localities. Thirty-two species belonging to 16 families were reported, with the Asteraceae and Fabaceae families having the highest number of species. The most frequently treated pathologies were diarrhea, pneumonia, fever and enteric parasitosis. For diarrhea treatment, the most used plants were M. mollis, S. nutansand T. filifolia, for pneumonia were G. prostrataand G. viravira, for enteric parasitosis were B. tricuneataand L. daucifoliaand for the elimination of ectoparasites (lice) was A. compacta. For all diseases, the treatment dose was higher in adults than in neonates and its application is in the rainy season. In acute disease conditions, rural families choice to drugs. Wild plants are a viable and sustainable alternative for the treatment of various diseases in alpacas.

Lead, Cadmium, and Arsenic in Raw Cow's Milk in a Central Andean Area and Risks for the Peruvian Populations.

Milk and its derivatives are basic foods in Peru, especially for children. The Junín region, in the central Andes, is one of the leading dairy basins. However, the safety of milk is affected by mining-metallurgical activities, wastewater dumping, organic residues, and inappropriate use of organophosphate fertilizers in agriculture whose contaminants reach the food chain, putting human health at risk. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bioaccumulation of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) in milk produced on a representative farm in central Peru, which uses phosphorous agrochemicals and is adjacent to a small mineral concentrator and a municipal solid waste dump, and to evaluate the potential risk for the Peruvian population of 2-85 years considering three levels of daily intake by age, which constitutes the innovative contribution of the study. These three elements were quantified by flame atomic absorption spectrometry following standardized procedures. The mean contents of Pb (0.062 mg/kg), Cd (0.014 mg/kg), and As (0.030 mg/kg) in milk exceeded the maximum limits allowed by international standards. At all ages, the target quotient hazard followed a descending order of As > Pb > Cd, being > 1 in the case of As. The hazard index was >1 for children under 7, 9, and 11 years of age in the scenarios of low, medium, and high milk intake. The information is valid for formulating policies to prevent adverse health effects and develop standards and awareness programs, monitoring, and control of heavy metals in milk in Peru.

Biomass Identification from Proximate Analysis: Characterization of Residual Vegetable Materials in Andean Areas

This work was aimed at the characterization of residual generated biomass from pruned tree species present in the Andean areas of Ecuador as a source of energy, both in plantations and in urban areas, as a response to the change in the energy matrix proposed by the Ecuadorian government. From the proximate analysis (volatiles, ashes, and fixed carbon content), elemental analysis (C, H, N, S, O, and Cl), structural analysis (cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose content), and higher heating value, the studied species were pine (Pinus radiata), cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), poplar (Populus sp.), arupo (Chionanthus pubescens), alder (Alnus Acuminata), caper spurge (Euphorbia laurifolia), and lime (Sambucus nigra L.) trees. We evaluated the influence of the presence of leaves in the biomass. From this characterization, we developed a method based on obtaining the main components for the identification of the biomass’s species. If the origin of the biomass was unknown, this method enabled us to identify the species, with all its characteristics. If the origin of the biomass was unknown, this innovative method enabled the identification of the species from the lignocellulosic biomass, with all of its characteristics. Finally, we developed regression models that relate the higher heating value to the elemental, proximate, and structural composition.

El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-driven hypersedimentation in the Poechos Reservoir, northern Peru

Abstract. Although extreme El Niño events (EENEs) have always impacted hydrological anomalies and sediment transport in South America, their intensification by global warming and their association with changes in human activities and land cover after humid periods may lead to the acceleration of sediment transfers in river systems and dam reservoirs. This situation may threaten soil and water resources in arid and semiarid regions highly dependent on water originating from large dams. In this study, we investigated the sediment sequence accumulated in the Poechos Reservoir (northern Peru) and provided a retrospective reconstruction of the interactions of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), agricultural practices and vegetation cover changes with sediment dynamics (1978–2019). To this end, a sediment core was dated and characterized by physical and chemical analyses (e.g., scanner tomography, X-ray fluorescence, particle size analysis) to estimate the evolution of sedimentation rates and changes in sediment sources during the last 5 decades. Sediment tracing results indicated the occurrence of changes in sediment sources associated with positive and negative phases of the Eastern Pacific index with a greater contribution of the lowland dry-forest area in comparison to that of the Andean area to sediment during the El Niño events (mean contribution of 76 %; up to 90 % during the coastal El Niño events (CENEs) of 2016–2017). This source contribution was mostly controlled by the stationary rainfall occurring during the EENEs in the lowland dry-forest area characterized by a low vegetation cover. Overall, after an extreme phase of ENSO, like after the EENE 1982–1983, the normal discharges and persistent sediment supplies from the middle- and upper-catchment parts led to river aggradation and the storage of substantial amounts of sediment in alluvial plains. In the absence of a significant EENE between 1983 and 1997, the large volume of sediment stored in the alluvial plains was exported by the EENE 1997–1998 resulting in an increase in sedimentation rate of 140 % after 1997 with a significant aggradation of the deltaic zone of the reservoir. In addition to the impact of extreme climate events on sediment dynamics, the development of agriculture along the riverine system after an extreme phase of ENSO increased the availability of sediments in the main channel of the rivers, easily transported by the next EENE. This study suggests that intensification of human activities associated with a higher frequency of extreme rainfall events amplified the quantity of sediment transported by the river system, which will significantly decrease the lifespan of the reservoir, which is essential to meeting the freshwater demands of the farmers and the populations living in this arid and semiarid region.

Productive practices in Andean rural areas and their relationship to extractive markets (Atacama Desert, northern Chile, 1915–2019)

AbstractExtractivism has marked the history of Latin America whose operations are in rural territories inhabited mainly by indigenous populations. Mining has had a remarkable expansion in rural territories of the Andes. Critical studies of these processes have focused on the disruptive aspects and conflict between companies, local populations, and States. However, mining has also been intertwined with the territories based on contradictory relationships at different timescales. To examine this issue, we carried out a historical reconstruction of the productive practices of the Caspana community indigenous (northern Chile) and their different forms of connection with mining development. We combine diverse data sources and methodological approaches: oral histories obtained from ethnography, censuses, explorers’ records, and academic literature. We identify different types of relationships over time, according to the different forms of indigenous participation in the extractive markets and the deployment and rearrangement of diverse economic strategies by the indigenous population.

Thermochemical isolation and characterization of nanofibrillated cellulose from Stipa obtusa fibers

This research aimed to establish a methodology for isolating and characterizing nanofibrillated cellulose (CNF) from Stipa obtusa, using low concentrations of reagents and their characterization. The fibers were collected in high Andean areas of Cusco in Peru, treated with the alkaline-assisted steam explosion, followed by bleaching and acid fibrillation procedures, and with steam explosion, using solutions with varying concentrations of oxalic acid. The CNF was characterized by analytical methods according to TAPPI standards and using XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, and TGA techniques. The optimum values for obtaining the CNFs were: alkaline treatment with NaOH 0.5 M and acid treatment with 8% (m/m) of oxalic acid. These parameters were used to obtain a CNF network with a non-uniform surface and diameters between 19 and 27 nm, 82.97% (m/m) of cellulose, and a crystallinity index of 52.92%. Furthermore, the results showed a progressive partial elimination of lignin and hemicellulose at each stage of isolation.

Predicting rainfall and irrigation requirements of corn in Ecuador

This work is a case study whose objective is prediction of irrigation needs of corn crops in different regions of Ecuador; being this a fundamental basic food for the country's economy, as in the remaining countries of the Andean area. The proposed methodology seeks to help improving the quality of corn crop. Specifically, we propose the application of regression models, within the framework of Functional Data Analysis (FDA), to predict the amount of rainfall (scalar response variable) in the places with the highest production of corn in Ecuador, as a function of functional covariates such as temperature and wind speed. From the estimation of the amount of rainfall, effective precipitation is calculated. This is the fraction of water used by the crops, from which the value of real evapotranspiration or ETc is obtained and, more importantly, the irrigation requirements at each stage of the corn crop, for its adequate physiological development. Application of regression models based on functional basis, Functional Principal Components (FPC) or Functional Partial Least Squares (FPLS) for scalar response variable, allows us to use the information of variables such as wind speed and temperature (of functional nature) in a better way than using multivariate models, for predicting the amount of rainfall, obtaining, as a result, very explicative models, defined by a high goodness of fit (R2=0.97, with 6 significant parameters and an error of 0.14) and practical utility. The model has been also applied to North Peru regions, obtaining rainfall prediction errors between 9% and 22%. Thus, the geographical limitations of the model could be the Andean regions with similar climate. In addition, this study proposes the application of FDA exploratory analysis and FDA outlier detection techniques as a common and useful practice in the specific domain of rainfall prediction studies, prior to applying the regression models.

Mejora del desempeño térmico de colegios en la Región Altoandina del Perú. El caso del “módulo prefabricado aula tipo heladas - PRONIED”

Faced with the qualitative and quantitative deficit of educational infrastructure in Peru’s rural high Andean areas, in recent years the Peruvian State has been investing in and supporting modular solutions, seeking efficiency in the construction processes. The specific proposal, with special emphasis on bioclimatic design, is the "Prefabricated Frost-type Modular Classroom". However, users have been expressing discomfort with these new facilities. This study shows the measurement process carried out on a built module, which allowed calibrating and validating the model using simulation software, to propose improvements in the design that may contribute to future constructions. Taking the adaptive thermal comfort model as a reference, it was confirmed that indoor temperatures were below thermal comfort limits in the early hours of the morning and well above them close to noon, by around 6 ºC and 7 ºC respectively. With the application of complementary bioclimatic strategies, it was possible to considerably improve indoor thermal conditions, although not enough to reach comfort early in the morning. This is because the night-time outdoor temperatures are very low, the building is uninhabited all night long, there is no thermal mass in the envelope, and there are no active solar systems or mechanical air conditioning.

Myth and Identity: A Compilation of Oral Traditions in a University Context from Peru

ABSTRACT Peru is a multicultural country, with a wide wealth of languages and traditions. However, most of the contributions from the Andean and Amazon areas have suffered segregation by members of the majority culture, represented by the Spanish language and centralised in the coastal cities. For this reason, migration to these territories has included the concealment of the mother tongue, cultural mimicry and the loss of identity values. For this reason, this study seeks to achieve the opposite effect: to revalue the Quechua language through the presentation and compilation of oral myths from different Andean localities, thanks to the conception, performance and style of a group of students of the Beca 18 program at a private university from Lima. This means revaluing the cultural elements that are part of the identity of these students, specifying the activity as a form of cultural strengthening, and recovering the myth as a manifestation of oral literature in the Peruvian environment, as well as in the official spaces of culture majority.

DIETARY PRACTICES AND ITS INFLUENCE ON THE NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF A GROUP OF ADOLESCENTS FROM AN ANDEAN ZONE OF ECUADOR

Introduction: Food is a fundamental aspect of human health and well-being, especially during adolescence, a stage of rapid growth and physical and mental development, the feeding practices of adolescents directly influence their nutritional status and the health and well-being of this population group. Objective: to explore the feeding practices of a group of adolescents aged between 12 and 18 years, from Tisaleo canton, Ambato canton. Methods: descriptive descriptive qualitative cross-sectional study, through a self-administered online survey, using different platforms and social networks such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, with closed multiple-choice questions , with a Non-probability convenience sampling of the type of uncontrolled instrument distribution, applied to 60 adolescent volunteers who agreed to participate and answer the survey Results: 66.66% are women while 33.33% men, women have lower values of weight, height and BMI than men, 63.33% of adolescents have a normal nutritional status, 23.33% underweight and 13.33% malnutrition due to excess (10% overweight and 3.33% obesity). Therewas a statistically significant relationship between physical activity and nutritional status of young people, with a p-value of 0.02981 in the χ² test. Hay a significant correlation between the consumption of breakfast, lunch and snack with the nutritional status of the adolescents investigated Conclusions: this study offers a valuable insight into feeding practices and their influence on the nutritional status of adolescents in an Andean area of Ecuador. The results obtained highlight the need to address this problem in a comprehensive manner, involving the community, the health sector and other relevant actors in the promotion of a healthy and balanced diet for adolescents.

Short Commercialization Circuits and Productive Development of Agroecological Farmers in the Rural Andean Area of Ecuador

Fair commercialization networks represent a direct economic and social participation mechanism for small producers in rural areas. Women’s participation is a pillar in short commercialization, which incorporates family income and economic independence, as well as food diversification in the territory. This research aims to analyze short commercialization circuits (SCCs) for agroecological foods as a contribution to productive development in the rural Andean area of Pillaro canton. This research, developed between April 2019 and May 2020, involved a quantitative approach and cross-sectional data collection. The Farm Sustainability Indicators (IDEA) method was used for the analysis, which establishes three scales: agroecological, socio-territorial and economic sustainability. The results show that SSCs contribute to food security through low-cost food, diversification, and nutritional products. In addition, SCCs allow a closeness between producers and consumers that provides greater confidence in the products offered. The ratings of 35.0 for the sustainability scale, 30.52 for the socio-territorial scale, and 17.5 for the economic scale indicate that the short commercialization circuits observed in the area consist of a sustainable system that allows for the social and economic improvement of producers in the rural Andean area of Pillaro canton, as well as the improvement of the natural environment.