Pathways to Conservation Agriculture In the Andes.

The Andean region of Ecuador is characterized by extreme poverty caused by low agricultural productivity, limited off-farm opportunities, and lack of access to markets.  Poverty is related to degradation of natural resources as lagging agricultural productivity has led to incursions into fragile areas. Food production in fragile areas degrade soil and water resources, contribute to deforestation and loss of biodiversity, and this degradation reduces productive potential over time.  This article discusses an agricultural development project that was designed to reduce the long-term downward development spiral in a watershed in Bolivar, Ecuador.  The applied research program began with analysis of the state of soil resources, water, and biodiversity in the Chimbo sub-watershed.  This information was used to design a plan to conduct research on conservation agriculture, soil and water conservation techniques, and various institutional innovations to enhance soil health, productivity and the natural resource base.  This article discusses the project, the challenges it faced, and how the process of adaptive research led to consensus among stakeholders about the appropriateness of conservation agriculturae and other sustainable management practices. We show how implementation of enhanced management practices contribute to reduced environmental vulnerability and improved welfare.