Ecuadorian Sector Research Articles

Agronomic Responses of Medicago Sativa by Effect of Different Manure Tea

Objective: a study was conducted about the use of different manure tea, bovine (T1), sheep (T2), poultry manure (T3) and the control (T0). Theoretical Framework: The use of synthetic fertilisers with a high carbon footprint, due to their environmental implications, is currently a matter of great concern in the international scientific community. For this reason, the use of environmentally friendly alternative resources is a subject of great interest, and has been the reason for researching alternatives for their application in practice. Method: They were applied at 15 days post cut of the preset alfalfa crop, the investigation lasted 184 days the size of the experimental units were 4x5 meters with five replicates per treatment damaged a total of 20 experimental plots with a total net area of 400 square meters test. The distribution of treatment was performed using a nested design complete randomized block experiment. Results and Discussion: The results report that the best results were obtained by applying the treatment of poultry manure tea in the three replicas of the production test with an average of three cuts of green fodder, dry matter, plant height, stems/plant, leaf/stem, coverage area, basal coverage, and cost of 12.05 tons/ha/cut of green fodder, 2.17 tons/ha/cut of dry matter, 79.91 cm plant height, stem 53.04/plant, leaves 41.40/stem, 94.26% coverage area, 61.74% of basal coverage and 141% return. So, we recommend using poultry manure to cut 15 days post because the best production rates were reported. Research Implications: At the local level, these results are very interesting due to the fragility of biodiversity and anthropogenic changes that have caused severe pressure on biotic components. Originality/Value: The lack of information on fertilisation alternatives makes this work unprecedented and contributes to the generation of information for the livestock sector in Ecuador and the region.

Cost of Capital in the Energy Sector, in Emerging Markets, the Case of a Dollarized Economy

This article estimates the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) for the energy sector in Ecuador, a country with a dollarized economy and illiquid stock markets. Thus, reference companies in the region were taken, and at the same time combined with characteristics of national companies, establishing a useful methodology, which makes sense with the acceptable discount rates in the Ecuadorian economy. For the above, four estimation alternatives were used. In method one, the traditional WACC formula was applied using interest rates and risk premiums from the U.S. market, which resulted in an overestimation due to the double penalty of the country risk and the U.S. market premium. Method two adjusted the market risk premium to consider only the Ecuador-specific risk premium, thus avoiding the double penalty. In method three, the credit default swap (CDS) was used to calculate the country risk premium, and the CDS was excluded from the nominal interest rate, avoiding redundancies. Finally, method four combined the U.S. interest rate with the CDS directly to calculate the market risk premium, more accurately reflecting local economic conditions in a dollarized economy. The WACC results range from 12.63% to 29.70%. In addition, a dummy variable was controlled for during the pandemic period. This article highlights the need for methodologies adapted to emerging markets, since traditional approaches would overestimate the WACC.

Financial Education and Level of Indebtedness for Popular and Solidarity Economy Organizations in the Province of Los Ríos and its Areas of Influence. Period 2023 – 2024

The project “Financial education and level of indebtedness for popular and solidarity economy organizations in the province of Los Ríos and its areas of influence” aims to improve financial education and the management of indebtedness of organizations in this sector in Ecuador. Through methodological strategies, it seeks to provide beneficiaries with the necessary skills to efficiently manage their financial resources, thus promoting the sustainable growth of their businesses and family well-being. The project, implemented by the Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo, involves a five-year intervention with the participation of finance students. In addition to training members of the organizations, scientific articles will be published to disseminate the project's progress and results. It is expected that at least 95% of the beneficiaries will acquire the skills to better manage their indebtedness and financial projection, generating a positive impact on their families and the community.

Exploring the relationship between small and medium-sized enterprises innovation and organizational performance: a prospective study on the industrial sector in Ecuador

Purpose This study aims to explore the relationship between the innovation capacity and performance of manufacturing firms in the Ecuadorian pharmaceutical and chemical sectors using strategic foresight analysis. Design/methodology/approach From an extensive literature review, the fundamental variables related to manufacturing firms’ innovation for better performance were identified. Six hypotheses and actions were proposed related to financing, economic resources, capacities and research and development. Several scenarios were tested through foresight methodology to determine the more appropriate to be implemented by manufacturing firms over the next five years. Findings Scenario 01, where all the hypotheses resulted positive, has a 15.3% probability of occurrence. The results offer a relevant understanding of the behavior of the variables proposed as strategic actions for the sector. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, foresight methodology is applied for the first time to analyze the manufacturing sector in Ecuador. The authors propose a plan of action from the strategic scenario identified in this study, supporting the development of the industrial sectors under study.

Sustainability and climate change: gender perspective in the traditional fishing sector in Ecuador

In the traditional fishing sector of Ecuador, integrating a gender perspective enhances sustainability and addresses climate change by recognizing the vital roles and knowledge of women in fisheries management. The objective of this study was to validate the content, comprehension, and construction of the designed questionnaire. Additionally, it is intended to identify perceptions of sustainability and climate change amongst women and men in fisheries, and compare their views on the dimensions of sustainability and climate change. The research implemented a questionnaire with a metrically satisfactory scale, providing information on how men and women perceive sustainability and climate change in the artisanal fishing sector. The data were collected by designing an ad hoc questionnaire denominated “Gender perception as regards sustainability and climate change” following a process in which the validity of the content (experts > 0.5823; Content Validity Ratio (CVR) > 6.1; Content Validity Index (CVI) > 0.852), decompression (pilot study, N = 30) and construct (KMO = 0.71) were analyzed. The results of the internal consistency reliability analysis indicated that the Likert scale had a high index of reliability, as evidenced by Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of 0.70. This analysis provided evidence of the structure and validity of the scale, resulting in a reliable, integral, and short tool with which to measure perceptions of sustainability and climate change. The questionnaire was administered to 1464 people employed in the traditional fishing industry (17.14% women) in 40 fishing community ports near the coastal profile of Ecuador (Esmeraldas and Manabí). Most of those surveyed stated that the current traditional fishing quotas are not very sustainable in the long term (47.10%, n = 690) and that climate change may significantly negatively impact catch rates (50.30%, n = 736). Finally, the Wilcoxon test of tests confirmed that women had significantly more positive attitudes than men towards sustainability (3.03 ± 0.69) and climate change (3.35 ± 0.64).

Productivity and Firm Size in the Construction Sector in Ecuador: A Discriminant Analysis

The research addresses the relationship between the business size of the construction sector in Ecuador and productivity indicators, seeking to identify the group with the greatest influence on productive growth. The methodology employed begins with a descriptive-explanatory analysis, using the Discriminant Analysis Technique (ADM). The results reveal that small companies have suffered more impact during the health crisis. In addition, Wilks' Lambda test was applied, confirming that the size of organizations is linked to productive performance, highlighting specific factors. These findings offer valuable insights for improving efficiency in the sector. Received: 5 March 2024 / Accepted: 15 June 2024 / Published: 02 July 2024

Evaluation of Attractants in Handcrafted Traps for Capture of Lepidopterans in Banana (Musa AAA cv. Williams)

Introduction: Banana cultivation is considered the main agricultural sector in Ecuador, however, like any other agricultural crop, it is attacked by a diversity of pests, among which the presence of insects of the order Lepidoptera stands out; For this reason, the objective of the research was to evaluate the efficiency of attractants in artisanal traps for the capture of lepidopterans in banana crops (Musa AAA) as strategies within pest monitoring and control programs. Taking place on a farm with Commercial Bananas (BC) and Organic Bananas (BO). A completely randomized design was used; In each location, two types of traps (plastic gallon and plastic bag) and five food attractants (Ripe banana, Ripe banana + Banana essence, Ripe banana, Ripe banana + Banana essence and Sugar cane + Molasses) were installed. 198 specimens were captured in the BO and 190 in the BC. The captured species were identified as: Ascalapha odorata, Caligo illioneus, Caligo bellerophon, Cissia sp., Opsiphanes tamarindi, Thysania zenobia and Colubura dirce. According to the Simpson index, the BO has the highest value (0.64) compared to the BC (0.52). In both locations it was evident that the most frequent species was O. tamarindi; According to records, the population of this species increased over time, which is why it requires attention. The attractants that allowed the greatest capture were: ripe banana, ripe banana and banana + essence. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the efficiency of attractants in artisanal traps for the capture of lepidopterans in banana crops (Musa AAA) as strategies within insect - pest monitoring and control programs. Theoretical Framework: This topic presents the main concepts and theories that support the research. The attractants in artisanal traps for capturing lepidopterans in banana stand out, providing a solid basis to understand the context of the research. Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises a completely randomized design. Data collection was carried out using traps in the field. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that the most frequent species was O. tamarindi and according to the population records, this species increased over time, which is why it requires attention. In the discussion section, these results are contextualized in light of the theoretical framework, highlighting the implications and relationships identified. This section also considers possible discrepancies and limitations of the study. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by using artisanal traps with food attractants. The relevance and value of this research is evidenced in the use of more sustainable practices for the management and control of insects - pests in the country's banana cultivation.

Análisis de los principales indicadores socioeconómicos del sector agropecuario ecuatoriano (2000-2022)

The agricultural sector in Ecuador, a key player in the country’s economic system, is currently facing important challenges that threaten the sustainability of production. Consequently, the objective of this research was to analyze the main socioeconomic indicators of the Equatorian agricultural sector during the 2000-2022 period. Using a descriptive methodology with quantitative and analytical-synthetic methods, information was sourced from BCE and INEC. Results show that agricultural activities contribute 7.92% to Ecuador’s GDP, generate 35% of foreign exchange earnings, and yield 94.84% of the food consumed by the population. However, agricultural production is concentrated on a few primary goods. In addition, the agricultural frontier has been reduced in recent years, there is evidence of a process of disinvestment by the State in the agricultural sector, and the agricultural GDP growth rate shows a downward trend. Therefore, current administrations in Ecuador have not attempted to change to a model that would honor the efforts of the rural population.

The Effects of Oil Price on Energy Production and the Ecuadorian Economy

Through an empirical analysis of the impact of variations in the international price of oil on the economic production of different strategic sectors and on energy production from various sources in Ecuador, the study seeks to show evidence on the economic effects of the price of oil. in a Latin American economy strongly linked to oil production. For this, relevant data were collected on production in different economic sectors, on the type of ownership in oil production and on energy production in various energy sources in Ecuador and statistical analyzes were carried out to evaluate the relationships between these and the international oil price. The results indicate that the effect of the oil price varies between the economic sectors of Ecuador. Some sectors, such as financial services and construction, show positive responses, while others, such as agriculture and fishing, appear less affected. The oil and mining sector in Ecuador is strongly linked to variations in the price of oil. The positive and significant response of the Oil and Mines GDP underlines the sensitivity of this sector to changes in international prices. Furthermore, energy production in Ecuador exhibits heterogeneous responses to variations in the price of oil. Forms of energy such as wind, solar, and thermal energy show positive and significant responses, while hydropower presents a negative response in some periods. Positive responses in forms of energy such as wind, solar, and thermal may indicate that the increase in the price of oil positively influences investment decisions in these energy sources. The study provides a significant contribution to the field of energy economics in oil-exporting countries and, particularly, in developing countries, as well as highlights the importance of energy diversification for these types of economies.

Analysis of the supply of the agricultural sector in Ecuador during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2018-2021

The purpose of this research is the economic estimate that was presented in the supply of the agricultural sector due to COVID-19. The agri-food chains maintained their activities since their products are of great importance. Benefits were estimated for the farmer, since the prices of inputs and agrochemical products decreased considerably, reducing production costs, during the period from January 2018 to April 2021, through the application of a Linear Regression Model with polynomial trend. Finally, the study has an approach based on the supply performance of the agricultural sector during the period of confinement caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and at the same time recognize the positive or negative economic impact that the production and marketing of the sector has achieved in recent times.

Effectiveness of the sanctioning procedure in cases of labor harassment in the private sector in Ecuador

El maltrato y la dominación jerárquica en el trabajo son problemas persistentes a pesar de los avances en derechos laborales. Este estudio evalúa la eficacia del mecanismo sancionador contra el acoso laboral en Ecuador, utilizando un enfoque cualitativo y un diseño descriptivo no experimental transversal. Se revisaron legislaciones nacionales, jurisprudencia, tratados internacionales y artículos académicos para analizar el procedimiento sancionador en el sector privado ecuatoriano. El problema central es la prevalencia del acoso laboral y la necesidad de un mecanismo eficaz para sancionarlo y proteger a las víctimas. El objetivo general es evaluar cómo el mecanismo sancionador actual aborda el acoso laboral y su impacto en la protección de los derechos laborales. Los resultados indican que el procedimiento sancionador ha mejorado significativamente la identificación y denuncia de casos de acoso laboral. El Ministerio de Trabajo recibe denuncias regularmente, reflejando una mayor conciencia y disposición de los empleados para reportar comportamientos abusivos. Sin embargo, existen desafíos en términos de recursos y supervisión para garantizar la aplicación estricta y constante de las sanciones. Las conclusiones destacan que la implementación del mecanismo sancionador ha proporcionado un marco estructurado para la investigación y resolución de denuncias, fortaleciendo la protección de los derechos laborales. No obstante, se necesita una evaluación continua de la accesibilidad y eficacia del proceso legal para asegurar que las víctimas no enfrenten obstáculos significativos. La legislación ecuatoriana, respaldada por este mecanismo, ha mejorado el apoyo y justicia para las víctimas de acoso laboral, pero aún requiere ajustes para optimizar su efectividad y alcance.

A mediation analysis of the motivation for learning in the process of knowledge acquisition and transfer

PurposeThis study aims to explore the mediating role of the motivation for learning in knowledge acquisition and knowledge transfer in students of higher education programs in business and management.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative correlational design. Data was collected from a sample of 366 students studying and working in the business and entrepreneurial sector in Ecuador. The instrument used was a Likert scale questionnaire. Correlation analyses were used to specify the relationships between variables. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe results evidenced the mediating effect of the motivation for learning on the relationship between knowledge acquisition and knowledge transfer of undergraduate and graduate students in higher education programs in the area of business and entrepreneurship.Research limitations/implicationsThe model investigated is a contribution to the literature since the variables have been little studied by the students as transfer channels, and there is a need to explore these relationships between variables in other productive sectors.Practical implicationsOrganizations will be able to identify relevant factors in knowledge transfer, the motivation for learning for the context of working, create ideal conditions for knowledge flow and maintain a commitment to take advantage of this cooperation.Social implicationsThe results contribute to the three agents involved in knowledge transfer: students, educational institutions and organizations. Students can have a greater understanding of the skills they need to improve their learning and application of knowledge. Educational institutions will have a better understanding of and approach to developing competencies in their students.Originality/valueThis simple regression model enriches the current literature on the mediating effect of the motivation for learning on the relationship between knowledge acquisition and knowledge transfer in higher education institutions in Latin American countries.

RESPUESTA DE TRES ESPECIES MADERABLES DE RÁPIDO CRECIMIENTO A DIFERENTES BIOCLIMAS EN ECUADOR

<p><strong>Background:</strong> The timber sector in Ecuador holds promising potential for growth and development. The intensive utilization of native taxa has depleted their genetic species pool, making them increasingly scarce in meeting the rising demand for wood. Consequently, there has been a growing exploration of new fast-growing forest species to serve as alternatives for lumber and biomass production. <strong>Objective: </strong>To assess the suitability of Andean bioclimatic conditions for the introduction of three tree species: <em>Paulownia elongata, P. fortunei</em>, and the hybrid <em>P. elongata x P. fortunei</em>. This work primarily focused in investigating whether plant density impacts the initial growth of individual tree growth and whether there is a co-dependence between site conditions and plant density in each of the three species. <strong>Methodology:</strong> The National Autonomous Institute of Farming Research (INIAP) imported 3000 seedlings, each about 10cm tall, of <em>Paulownia e</em>longata, <em>Paulownia fortunei</em>, and the hybrid <em>Paulownia elongata</em> x <em>Paulownia fortunei</em> from the World Paulownia Institute of Georgia - USA. Four experimental sites were selected in two regions of Ecuador: humid tropics (Quevedo and Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas), dry sub-peak (el Almendral) and Andes (Riobamba), each site is located at different altitudes. At each site, the experiment was set up in a spatial split-plot arrangement with randomized complete blocks. Three blocks were established, two planting frames (3x3 m and 4x4 m) and the three selected <em>Paulownia</em> species. The three blocks were laid off randomly in each experiment. The two planting frames were randomly placed within each block, and the three species were randomly planted within each planting frame. The experimental subjects (plant species) consisted of nine individuals. <strong>Results:</strong> Plants with higher height and diameter are located in areas with lower elevation, with hybrid Paulownia displaying better performance in high densities. All species showed a survival rate above 85% one-year post-establishment. However, the lowest survival is found in areas above 2000 m. <strong>Implications:</strong> High elevations restrict the individual growth of Paulownia in Andean conditions, but low altitudes enhance it. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> The three specimens performed reasonably well during one-year post-establishment. However, it is necessary to continue observing their growth until they reach their asymptotic point, determining their volumetric yield.</p>

Rethinking Agricultural Policy in Ecuador (1960–2020): Analysis Based on the Water–Energy–Food Security Nexus

Agriculture is the principal source for satisfying the growing global demand for food. However, current production patterns and socioeconomic and demographic pressures could lead to an unsustainable, inequitable food supply. Government interventions support technical advances designed to meet future needs following international trends while overcoming biophysical constraints. Those most often used are focused on augmenting land productivity through mechanisation and increased dependence on external inputs. To that end, public policies have emerged as engines of development in agriculture and the agri-food system. This article provides a chronological analysis of the relevant milestones in the agri-food sector in Ecuador (1960–2020). At first, agrarian reform focused on land distribution and tenure. Subsequently, the focus moved to the implementation of research, technological innovation and technology transfer programmes promoted by the state with support and financing from international organisations. For this article, we chose for our approach the water–energy–food nexus. Until now, insufficient study based on this approach regarding agricultural programmes has been conducted in Ecuador. It is essential to concentrate on this sector because it represents about 10% of the gross domestic product and is a principal source of employment for more than two-thirds of the economically active population in rural areas. However, land fractioning, the lack of project continuity and the focus on the application of technological packages identified in this analysis suggest the need to rethink public policies for a sustainable agri-food system.

Occupational Accidents in Ecuador: An Approach from the Construction and Manufacturing Industries

Ecuador is a country in South America, where, in 2021, there were 849,874 companies that had total sales of USD 105.23 billion, which had 2,698,650 workers. This study was carried out with the aim of analyzing occupational accidents by industry type in Ecuador, focusing mainly on the construction and manufacturing industries. The data were provided upon express request to the National Directorate of General Occupational Risk Insurance of the Ecuadorian Social Security Institute. The data used in this study concerned accidents involving qualified workers affiliated with the Ecuadorian Social Security System. The data obtained were used to calculate the general accident rate, accident rate by sector, permanent disability rate, and mortality rate. Between 2016 and 2019, 6960 qualifying accidents occurred in Ecuador. Approximately 89.71 ± 0.36% of the accidents investigated involved men, and 50.28 ± 2.49% of these accidents caused permanent disability. The mortality rate was, on average, 10.60 ± 1.83%, 2018 being the year with the most deaths due to accidents at work. The Ecuadorian sector with the highest accident rate was the manufacturing industry with 26.15 ± 2.50%, followed by the construction industry with a rate of 17.47 ± 3.59%. The manufacturing industry had the highest rate, with a significant difference of accidents that resulted in permanent disability, with an average of 31.79 ± 2.85%, while the construction sector had the highest rate of fatal accidents, with an average of 25.82 ± 5.05%. This is the first study to report the number of qualified occupational accidents in Ecuador. With this study, a starting point is established for future analyses of the evolution of occupational accidents by type of industry in Ecuador. Future studies could determine the increase or decrease in the number of accidents, evaluate rates of permanent disability and death, and establish risk factors and preventive measures for each task or activity in all productive sectors.

Current treatment and recycling processes of industrial waste from tanneries in Ecuador and the world

This study aims to investigate the recycling and reuse processes of the waste generated by tanneries in Ecuador and the world. High-impact publications and government databases were used to gather relevant information on the topic and, thus, achieve the objective of the study. Several recycling and reuse processes of tannery solid waste were identified, including the production of adhesives, collagen, gelatin, amino acids, biofuels, biogas, and leather lubricants. Additionally, it was found that it is possible to recover chromium salts from wastewater and reuse them. The study also revealed that countries like India, Bangladesh, and China, the primary producers of leather, apply advanced recycling technologies in their tanneries. In contrast, countries like Italy, Germany, and Spain focus more on the chemical conversion of tannery solid waste. In Ecuador, there is a lack of publications on tannery waste recycling, and the few available ones focus on the reuse of trimmings, leather scraps, and the extraction of keratin from residual hair. This lack of interest in proper waste management in tanneries may be attributed to informality and the country's lax enforcement of environmental legislation. In conclusion, it is crucial to regulate the tannery industry sector in Ecuador and promote recycling and reuse processes that will bring economic benefits and sustainability to these industries. This study highlights the need to improve waste management in Ecuadorian tanneries and follow the example of countries that have implemented advanced recycling technologies.

A Critical Review on the Perspectives of the Forestry Sector in Ecuador

The contribution of the Ecuadorian forest industry to the development of the country is of undeniable importance since it enables job creation, the production of goods and services, and the generation of wealth. As such, special attention should be paid to the problems that are affecting its development and that prevent enhancing the competitiveness of the companies in this important productive sector of the country. This review of the international literature found in relevant databases synthesizes findings on the forest wealth of Ecuador vs. deforestation. We also provide an overview on the state-of-art technology in timber harvesting and the wood processing industry. Within each of these topics, we analyze and discuss some factors such as irrational logging of native forests, incipient afforestation, as well as the elements on primary and secondary transformation of wood in Ecuador. We conclude that the participation and cooperation of all actors in the productive chain of the forestry sector in Ecuador is of the utmost importance to adequately address the demands of the national and international markets.

Is FDI a potential tool for boosting firm’s performance? Firm level evidence from Ecuador

In developing countries, the evidence regarding the direct and indirect effects of FDI on economic and financial performance at the firm level is mixed. To contribute to this literature, we provide empirical evidence of direct and indirect effects of FDI on firm’s performance, using return on assets (ROA), gross revenues and gross revenues growth rate as performance measures. We examine the private formal enterprise sector in Ecuador from 2007 to 2018. Our identification strategy relies on the use of the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) methodology for dynamic panel data which allows us to control for potential endogeneity, autocorrelation and heteroskedasticity issues. The results suggest that firms with inward FDI grow faster than their counterparts, and firms with higher amounts of FDI as a share of total revenues have on average higher levels of gross revenues. Moreover, we find negative horizontal wages and gross revenues spillover effects on gross revenues growth rates, but positive horizontal gross revenues spillover effects on ROA. There is also significant evidence of negative horizontal spillover effects in all economic sectors, whereas evidence for forward and backward spillovers is heterogeneous across them.

Remanufacturing in Developing Countries – A Case Study in Automotive Sector in Ecuador

Remanufacturing in Developing Countries – A Case Study in Automotive Sector in Ecuador

High-growth firms’ behavior in Latam: the case of ICT sector in Ecuador

The work aims to study the High-Growth Companies (HGF) of the ICT sector in Quito-Ecuador and contribute to improve the understanding of the behavior of HGFs in the LATAM region by presenting empirical evidence. A tripod approach is used focusing on the Resource-based view with the test of 7 hypotheses over a case study. In addition, a contextualized survey for the case was carried out to cover both the Institution and the Industrial based view. A multivariate analysis was performed to explore what factors allow us to understand the high-growth behavior. The results show that 4 of the 7 hypotheses were accepted. The correlations between profitability, leverage, liquidity, innovation, and sales growth are relatively "low" but "statistically significant." An explanation is given according to the theoretical framework built. Otherwise, factors such as: solvency, infrastructure (machinery and equipment), exports “did not present statistically significant correlation”.