Proposals for sustainable natural resource management in agricultural communities of volcán Ilaló

Abstract

Ilaló is an inactive volcano with an elevation of 3 169 meters above sea level, located in the Inter-Andean region of Ecuador, approximately 8 km east of Quito. It serves as a natural divide between the Los Chillos and Tumbaco valleys. The current environmental conditions particularly in the parishes of La Merced, Guangopolo, Alangasí, and Tumbaco, all part of the Quito canton in Pichincha Province motivated an analysis of agro-productive, socio-economic, and environmental aspects of the farming communities settled on its slopes. To better understand the current situation, field visits were conducted across various agricultural zones located on Ilaló volcano, which constitute an essential part of this research. Participatory diagnostic tools and direct observation were applied, allowing for the collection of relevant information on the use of natural resources and the identification of the main issues affecting the local population. Based on this analysis, a problem tree was developed, illustrating the causes and effects of environmental degradation as well as the limited socio-economic development in these communities. The results reveal multiple barriers to achieving sustainability in the area, including: lack of funding for development projects, inadequate land use dominated by natural pastures and low biodiversity, degradation of agroforestry systems, limited crop rotation, minimal use of organic matter, and inefficient irrigation management. Additionally, a low educational level was identified, with a high prevalence of illiteracy and incomplete primary education. In response to these findings, a series of recommendations are proposed to promote the sustainable management and use of natural resources, aiming to enhance agro-productive and environmental development for the communities located around the Ilaló volcano in Quito, Ecuador.