Healthy and Sustainable Agri-food System that Contributes to Sovereign Food Production and Supply in Ecuador

This project addresses the issues stemming from conventional agricultural systems that heavily rely on agrochemicals, leading to food contamination and severe environmental externalities (air, water, soil) in Ecuador. The main goal is to highlight and support an ethical and responsible agri-food system that promotes human health and the conservation of ecosystem services, aligning with the National Plan for Good Living. The research focuses on generating key information regarding the demand for agroecological products from universities in Quito and existing producer networks. The methodology involves a comparative Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of conventional and agroecological supply chains, evaluating stages from production to waste management. Furthermore, the current traceability system for supplying agroecological products to university cafeterias will be diagnosed, and consumer needs and expectations will be analyzed through surveys and interviews. Finally, a participatory awareness and information strategy will be designed and validated to foster conscious consumers and establish a university agri-food system that serves as a benchmark for the rest of society, strengthening solidary rural-urban relationships.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To demonstrate the benefits of a healthy and sustainable agri-food system compared to a conventional one, aiming to contribute to the production and supply of sovereign, high-quality food in Ecuador.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Agroecology, environment and territory