Ecuador, one of the relatively small countries on the South American
continent, lies astride the Equator: nevertheless, because of its
geographical structure, the country enjoys a variety of climates: tropical
heat and humidity in the Amazonian lowlands region to the east, freezing
cold weather between the Andes mountain ranges, (some 6,000 metres high).
and a subtropical hot and humid semi-desert climate on the Pacific coast.
The country is not heavily populated, whereas the greatest density of the
population is found in the two major cities of Quito and Guayaquil.
Ecuador is blessed with some important natural resources: water, fertile
land and a variety of climatic conditions, enabling almost any kind of
agricultural produce to grow in abundance, in addition to gold mines,
crude oil reserves, etc. The natural beauty of the scenery is not fully
capitalized on, as the tourist infrastructure is almost non-existent, and
the road network is insufficient. Therefore, an important possible source
of income is neglected.
The majority of the population (over 80%) are farmers. However, in
agriculture as in tourism, natural resources are not properly exploited,
except for three items which have reached world records: bananas (Ecuador
is the world's greatest banana exporter); flowers (the Ecuadorian rose is
considered one of the biggest and most beautiful of all roses and is
exported to all European countries, North America and Russia); and shrimps
and other fish, that bring a total of around one billion dollars a year to
Ecuador.
The first two export items, i.e. bananas and flowers, have enjoyed an
important Israeli technological input, as improved scions have been
imported from Israel, and plantations are irrigated by means of Israeli
drip irrigation equipment. However, in other fields, namely vegetable and
fruit growing, the harvests are rather poor, in spite of optimal
conditions, necessitating the import of most of the subtropical fruits
either from Chile or California.
The CEDEGE Project
At the request of the Ministry of Agriculture, and in cooperation with
USAID and MASHAV, a joint agricultural project began in February 1995.
Several weeks of feasibility studies and comprehensive surveys indicated
that the activities should focus on the CEDEGE (Comisión de Estudios para
el Desarollo de la Cuenca del Rio Guayas) Project in the Peninsula of
Santa Elena, as well as greenhouse vegetable growing in the mountain
region. The activities included professional advisory assistance,
seminars, lectures (also by guest experts from Israel), as well as the
selection of adequate candidates to participate in training courses held
in Israel.
The Trasvase Daule Santa Elena Project
The Trasvase Daule Santa Elena Project, carrying the waters of the Daule
River, west of the city of Guayaquil, to the Santa Elena Peninsula, is the
biggest and most modern irrigation project in Ecuador. The Peninsula
covers an area of some 40,000 hectares of fertile land, with a reasonable
amount of rainfall, the only means of irrigation until 1994. With the
completion of the first phase of the project, some 15,000 hectares were
irrigated, and today, with the conclusion of the enterprise, all of the
area is irrigated, allowing for a variety of crops to be grown.
The Chongon Research Station
The first step towards improving yields and diversifying crops was the
establishment of an agricultural demonstration plot in the research
station of Chongon. High quality vegetables were grown with modern
technologies, tomatoes (fresh and for industry), capsicum, melons,
watermelons, onions; eggplants and lettuce, as well as the efficient use
of water. Special emphasis was placed on the correct use of fertilizers,
the right choice of seeds, use of pesticides and the optimal means of
irrigation (drip irrigation or sprinklers) according to the type of
plants.
The El-Azucar region demonstration farm
A second agricultural demonstration farm was established in 1996, in the
El-Azucar region, and the variety of crops was enlarged: asparagus, baby
corn, okra, carrots, string beans and an array of spices, with an eye to
the export of fresh produce or canning. The Playas region demonstration
farm In 1997, a third demonstration farm was inaugurated by the Israeli
ambassador in the Playas Region. This farm is geared entirely to export
crops, with the following repartition: 50% fruit growing (citrus, grapes,
plantain, guavas and pawpaws), and 50% dedicated to vegetables (melons and
seedless watermelons). Experiments were conducted with two new crops:
potatoes and cotton.
All three farms employ agronomists, crop and farm managers, as well as
local personnel, according to seasons. Students in agronomy from the
Guayaquil University are sometimes hired on a temporary basis. Field-days
are held from time to time, with the participation of farmers from the
Peninsula and the coastal region, technicians and representatives of
commercial firms.
Climatic conditions in the mountain region are excellent for a variety of
vegetable growing, but because of low temperatures, greenhouses are
requested. This is where the famous Ecuadorian rose is cultivated. An
agreement reached in 1995, with the Ambato Agricultural University,
enabled the establishment of a demonstration centre for greenhouse
farming, with seminars attended by a great number of farmers. A glowing
number of farmers realized that in spite of a relatively high initial
investment, the return profit is worthy, as the yields are greater and of
much better quality.
The MASHAV-USAID programme, with the participation of the Ecuador Ministry
of Agriculture, aims at addressing agricultural issues, designed at
improving the quality and quantity of yields, as well as promote economic
ventures and international cooperation. It reflects Israel's commitment
and dedication to share with others relevant technologies, knowhow, human
resource training and practical experience gained in agricultural and
rural development, adapted to each country's specific needs and the
appropriate conditions of its agronomy.