From training rural farmers in agroecology to building alliances with government and private entities, our work in Ecuador spans all levels of this diverse country.
Spanning Amazonian rain forest, Andean mountain slopes, plains, and marine coastal zones, Ecuador is one of the most biologically diverse countries on earth.
Since 1954, Heifer International has supported rural farmers in Ecuador with projects across ecosystems and focused on value chains including dairy, trees, cocoa, and crops. Our current projects focus on strengthening farmer-owned value chains that generate sustainable businesses, food sovereignty, and enable families to substantially improve their livelihoods, nutrition and overall well-being.
Local farmers living and working at altitude are particularly vulnerable to climate change. As a result, we emphasize environmental stewardship coupled with indigenous farming knowledge. Farmers overcome climate-driven challenges through watershed preservation, irrigation, and sustainable production.
By applying agroecology, farmers diversify their farms and incomes. It also promotes self-sufficiency, and improves nutrition through education and training.
More than 350,000 families supported by our work.
We also support farmers to develop market opportunities, build infrastructure, and promote strategic business alliances. We see the rural sector as a fitting environment for innovation and entrepreneurship to deliver change that presents opportunities to invest capital.
Heifer Ecuador works alongside families of indigenous organizations, Afro-Ecuadorians, local farmers, mangrove communities and urban-popular groups, as well as with national NGOs, networks, collectives and popular organizations at the local, regional and national levels. We build alliances with the national government, local governments, international organizations, cooperation agencies and the private sector.
We have experience working throughout the Coast, Highlands and in the Amazon region’s coffee and cacao zones, and are opening projects in the Galapagos Islands.
Heifer works with farmers to secure a living income so they can lead dignified and prosperous lives. Learn more about what achieving a living income entails.
