Women’s roles in rural livelihoods and agricultural practices across an altitudinal gradient in Loja, Ecuador

Women play a fundamental role in agricultural and livestock production in rural areas of Loja; however, the extent of their participation varies according to the tasks they perform, their access to technology, and prevailing social norms. This study examined rural livelihoods, agricultural practices, and community dynamics across an altitudinal gradient in Loja Province, southern Ecuador, encompassing low (<1,000 m a.s.l.), lower-intermediate (1,000–1,500 m a.s.l.), upper-intermediate (1,500–2,000 m a.s.l.), and high-elevation zones (>2,000 m a.s.l.). Data from 338 semi-structured surveys were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square ( χ 2 ) tests to identify associations between altitudinal zones and socioeconomic, household, agricultural, and community-related variables. The findings reveal that the study area encompasses diverse production systems and livelihood strategies shaped by contrasting environmental and socioeconomic conditions. Agricultural activities included crop cultivation, harvesting, fertilization, and livestock care, while household responsibilities and family participation in decision-making were important across the study zones. Perceptions of organizational support varied along the gradient and were generally limited, particularly at elevations above 2,000 m a.s.l. Although most respondents perceived agricultural decisions as involving the family, significant differences among altitudinal zones were identified in perceptions of decision-making over agricultural and livestock production. These findings highlight the importance of considering territorial variation when designing rural development initiatives. Policies and programs should be adapted to local production systems and socioeconomic conditions to strengthen institutional support, access to productive resources, market opportunities, and livelihood diversification across the altitudinal gradient.