Community Agroecological Network: Comprehensive approach to the design and strengthening of agroecological fairs in Cuenca

The project seeks to investigate the current state of agroecological fairs in Cuenca, focusing on infrastructure, environmental sustainability, social cohesion and economic viability. These fairs, which involve more than 30 organizations, play a fundamental role in the preservation of cultural identity, the promotion of food sovereignty and sustainable rural development. Despite its benefits, they face important challenges, such as competition with informal markets, lack of economic support and problems in space management, location of sales and sanitation positions and practices. The project is proposed to characterize infrastructure conditions, identifying strengths and weaknesses that affect the operation of the fairs. It will also analyze the environmental practices implemented, evaluating its alignment with the principles of sustainability and the perception of value by producers and consumers. In addition, it will study the social dynamics among the actors of the fairs, exploring the interaction, cooperation and empowerment of producers and consumers. Finally, the economic-financial structure will be evaluated, including costs, income and profitability, to identify critical factors that influence long-term sustainability. The relevance of this study lies in improving the management and operation of agroecological fairs, strengthening their role in local development, cultural preservation and the fight against climate change, and promoting its sustainability in the long term.

21st UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PROJECT COMPETITION