Assessment of the Impacts of the April 16, 2016 Earthquake on Peasant Economies in Manabí

This research project focuses on evaluating the transformations experienced by the agricultural sector in the province of Manabí, Ecuador, following the devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake on April 16, 2016. Manabí is a key region due to its sustained peasant production, which was profoundly affected by this catastrophe, considered the worst in 70 years for the country. The main objective is to quantify and qualify the changes in the agricultural sector and their direct effects on the rural way of life. The methodology combines exhaustive bibliographic research with qualitative and quantitative fieldwork. Segmented focus groups will be implemented to capture diverse experiences: farmers benefiting from public restoration policies, those assisted by private entities, and those who received no support. Additionally, surveys will be conducted targeting both sheltered individuals and those affected by the earthquake who are not in shelters. This approach aims to provide a comprehensive view of post-disaster resilience and needs in the rural context.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To analyze the changes occurring in the agricultural sector of Manabí following the April 16, 2016 earthquake and to identify the specific impacts on the lives of rural communities.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Economic systems