SUSTAINABILITY OF TWO RICE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS, ONE UNDER SALINITY CONDITIONS IN THE YAGUACHI AREA AND THE OTHER UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS IN THE BABAHOYO IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE SYSTEM, ECUADOR

Abstract

A study was carried out in the provinces of Guayas and Los Ríos (Ecuador), with the objective of characterizing rice production systems; one under salinity conditions in Yaguachi and the other without salinization problems in the Babahoyo canton. Economic, social and ecological indicators were developed, suitable for the rice systems under study to determine the level of sustainability. The evaluation through indicators allowed to objectively detect critical points in these localities that affect sustainability. In the environmental aspect, the salinity indicator, classified as medium to high risk, and the indicator for the application of agrochemicals, characterized by the intensive use of pesticides and fertilizers, are those that most negatively affect the sustainability, especially, of the rice system in Yaguachi. In the economic dimension, the monoculture system indicator that generates additional income losses and the lack of diversity of products used for sale and food negatively affect the two rice production systems. In the social aspect, the indicators that contribute to greater sustainability were the quality of housing, degree of satisfaction and relationships with other members of the community. The General Sustainability Indices for the two rice production systems in Yaguachi and Babahoyo were 1.92 and 2.12, respectively.