The economic sustainability of the dairy sector in Ecuador

Abstract

The dairy sector plays a crucial role in the food industry and rural economy of a country, the production of milk and its derivatives not only provides essential nutrients but also employment and economic development in rural areas. The geographical diversity of Ecuador, especially in the province of Tungurahua, facilitates agriculture and livestock, contributing significantly to the local and national economy. The production chain of the dairy sector involves various actors, from small family producers to large agro-industrial companies. Informal and formal production coexist, with collection centers that facilitate the collection and processing of milk. The sector faces several challenges, such as global competition, changes in consumption patterns and the need for sustainable practices and to this end, an exhaustive bibliographic review of the contrasts and contributions of the various authors over time was carried out, considering that each one provides valuable information for the analysis of the context of economic sustainability within the dairy sector in Ecuador. It was concluded that the economic sustainability of the dairy sector seeks to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of producers. This includes the adoption of sustainable practices and compliance with strict health regulations, various institutions support the development of the sector through programs and policies that promote the quality and sustainability of dairy production, thus guaranteeing its positive impact on the economy and society Ecuadorian.