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Background
Located on the north-west coast of South America, Ecuador
shares its borders with Peru and Colombia. Slightly larger
than the state of Victoria, the country is home to around
13 million people. The effects of El Niño and conflict
with neighbouring countries has put pressure on the economy.
Widespread underemployment is a major problem, with more than
50 percent of the population living on less than US$2 a day.
Less than half the population have access to essential drugs,
contributing to the spread of preventable diseases. Frequent
natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, landslides
and volcanic activity have the potential to cause widespread
damage and leave whole communities without food and shelter.
World Vision Australia is working with communities
in the Ecuador. Below are examples of funded projects:
Area Development Programs (ADPs)
As well as improving access to education and health care
services, these programs focus on livestock development. The
emphasis is to improve the breed of sheep and increase the
production of guinea pigs and rabbits. Through the sale of
extra animals, families can increase their income and improve
their nutritional intake.
Water Programs
In partnership with local communities World Vision built
water systems to help increase crop production and provide
safe drinking water for communities.
Andean Permaculture Project
Local farmers have received training in small scale, labour
efficient systems that use organic agricultural methods. Animal,
plant and soil systems are integrated to maximise their value
and produce better results for farmers.
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