Afforestation projects in highland Ecuador: Patterns of success and failure

A study of afforestation projects in the Cuenca area of the southern Sierra of Ecuador led to identification of a number of factors that affect their success or failure. The aims of afforestation are diverse, and include increased production, farm diversification, soil conservation, and wildlife conservation, and each development scheme should have a combination of purpose. Various agencies have worked towards these needs but their priorities have differed. The physical survival of forests in this area is not a problem. The study indicates that economic success occurs at specific locations and begins with the commitment of small groups or enthusiastic individuals; this effort should be channeled into specific areas and then spread spatially and sectorally to other interests. This contradicts standard rural development policy which has emphasized an even spread of effort and benefits. Failures occur where lack of commitment leads to neglect, poor maintenance, deficient management, and lack of understanding between the agencies and the community. Conservation and production planning should incorporate the needs of different physical environments in the paramo uplands, on mountain slopes, and along valley floors.