The Relationship Between Climate Change and the Poverty Conditions of the Chota Valley’s Afro-Ecuadorian Population and Their Mitigation Actions

This study analyzes the relationship between climate change and poverty in Chota Valley’s Afro-Ecuadorian communities. Using a mixed-methods approach—quantitative data from a household survey and qualitative insights from a focus group—the research explores how climate variability affects income, knowledge, and adaptive actions. The findings reveal that while most residents are aware of climate change, their understanding stems from lived agricultural experiences rather than formal education. The Proxy Means Testing (PMT) index shows that higher poverty levels correlate with greater awareness and adaptation efforts. Moreover, climate change has prompted crop substitutions (e.g., to mango), temporarily improving economic conditions. However, the study concludes that sustained resilience requires enhanced education and community-led adaptation strategies. These findings highlight the intersection of environmental vulnerability and social inequality, emphasizing the need for targeted policies and local engagement in climate action.