MOBILITY AND COMMERCIALIZATION PRACTICES OF WOMEN FARMERS IN THE RURAL PARISH OF SININCAY-CUENCA

Abstract

Understanding women farmers' mobility practices in marketing their products is of utmost importance in identifying their needs and challenges as a vulnerable social group. The research analyzed the mobility and marketing practices used by women farmers in the rural parish of Sinincay in the canton of Cuenca, Ecuador. Using a mixed methodology of a cross-sectional nature, surveys were applied to collect information. The results revealed that the opportunities for marketing products are concentrated in the urban area. A total of 57.7% of the women market their products in places not suitable for this purpose, mainly on public roads, near markets and squares. Since 72.3 % do not have their own vehicle, they depend on other means of transportation, a situation that affects the investment of time and the cost of travel. In addition, 93.8% do not belong to any organization, which means that most trips are made individually. These findings constitute an essential input for the relevant agencies to generate actions to improve the situation of this important population group.