Evaluation of Sustainability Indicators in the Warintza Community

Abstract

The community of Warintza, located in the province of Morona Santiago, faces a serious limitation for its development planning due to the absence of systematic data on key socioeconomic conditions, such as employment, access to health services, education, basic infrastructure and connectivity. Given this problem, the main objective of this research was to carry out an exhaustive data collection through a structured census in order to generate a baseline of indicators. The methodology was based on a quantitative approach, with the application of questionnaires in the field to the 383 households identified, using electronic devices to ensure the quality and traceability of the data. The census design included demographic, social, economic and environmental variables, with complete territorial coverage and adapted logistical strategies. During the analysis stage, critical patterns were identified: 87.99% of the population lives in owner-occupied housing, which reflects a certain residential stability; however, this condition contrasts with serious deficiencies in basic services. Only 55% of the dwellings have access to safe drinking water, and only 48% have adequate sanitation systems. Electrification reaches 70 %, while digital connectivity, key in the contemporary world, is scarce, with only 25 % of households having access to the Internet. The discussion of these results shows that, although there is some progress in housing tenure and partial electricity coverage, the current model of service provision and opportunities in Warintza is insufficient to sustain inclusive development. In conclusion, it is highlighted that the information generated not only allows for the precise identification of priority intervention areas, but also contributes to articulate territorial planning processes, citizen participation and access to resources for development.