Development of Agricultural Equipment for Soil Tillage in Family Agroecosystems of the Southern Sierra of Ecuador with Environmental Conservation Criteria

This project addresses the challenges faced by family farming in the southern highlands of Ecuador, where steep topography and a lack of suitable machinery limit productivity and encourage tillage practices that degrade the soil. Faced with rural migration and the reliance on inefficient manual tools, the project proposes the design and construction of a transdisciplinary agricultural equipment prototype, specifically adapted to Andean slopes and the needs of small-scale producers. The technical approach combines mechanical engineering and biotechnology to create a solution that minimizes physical effort, reduces production costs, and mitigates soil erosion. Through a four-phase methodology—including soil characterization, simulation-assisted design, local manufacturing, and in-situ validation—the project seeks to modernize agriculture without compromising ecosystem health. As a result, the project expects not only the delivery of a functional prototype but also the transfer of knowledge to rural communities through practical demonstrations. This effort aims to strengthen food sovereignty, improve the quality of life for farmers, and foster a sustainable rural development model that responds to the current climate and socioeconomic challenges of the region.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>Develop agricultural equipment adapted to the topographic conditions of the southern highlands of Ecuador to improve tillage in family agroecosystems. The project integrates environmental conservation criteria to promote sustainable agricultural practices.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Biodiversity and genetic resources