Collaborative Management for Local Agricultural Development Linked to Higher Education Institutions in Ecuador

Abstract

The collaboration between Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and the Ecuadorian agricultural sector is an issue that still requires attention from administrators, faculty, producers, and local decision- makers. This partnership should be leveraged to increase yields, diversify production, and enhance competitiveness, all with the aim of meeting the population's food needs. This study aimed to analyze the involvement of higher education institutions in the Santa Lucía Canton, Guayas Province, Ecuador, in the development of the agricultural sector at this local level. To this end, a documentary and bibliographic analysis was conducted to justify the role of academic programs associated with the advancement of this segment of the economy. The results show that, while the link between academia and the agricultural sector is of great importance, the potential of this alliance is not yet fully recognized. Through interviews with managers and teachers, as well as a survey of producers, the problems faced by both parties were identified, which allowed for the identification of gaps in this relationship, which was the basis for the proposal of actions aimed at strengthening ties, promoting the application of scientific results and the generation of new innovations.