Towards a Sustainable Ecuador: Systemic Reforms for Econimic and Social Progress

By: Manuel de Jesús Bravo Rivera

In a country rich in resources and opportunities like Ecuador, structural challenges persist, limiting the development of thousands of citizens. These challenges are evident in various areas of public administration, economic growth, and social equity, creating barriers that prevent Ecuadorians from reaching their full potential. How can we transform this reality into a fairer and more prosperous future? The key lies in implementing systemic reforms that optimize the use of public resources, strengthen key sectors such as agriculture and tourism, and promote a more equitable distribution of economic opportunities across all regions of the country.

A frequent criticism of public spending management is the allocation of lifetime salaries to former presidents. This practice sparks public debate, as many believe these funds could be better invested in infrastructure and social development projects. Rather than eliminating this benefit entirely, a more balanced approach could be taken by establishing a post-mandate performance evaluation system. Such a system would assess the former presidents' subsequent contributions to the country to determine whether these pensions should continue or be suspended. This change would strengthen social infrastructure, boost trust in public institutions, and ultimately improve the quality of life for thousands of Ecuadorians.

The agricultural sector is one of the cornerstones of Ecuador’s economy, providing employment for a significant portion of the population, particularly in rural areas. However, the market is dominated by intermediaries who reduce producers’ profits, leaving many small-scale farmers in vulnerable positions. Recent statistics reveal that more than 60% of profits in certain crops are lost to intermediaries. Successful cooperatives in provinces like Manabí have implemented direct sales models, significantly increasing their members' incomes. Promoting direct agreements between farmers and exporters could reduce the role of intermediaries, ensuring fair prices and improving rural living standards. Moreover, supporting technological innovation and facilitating access to credit would help modernize agriculture and make it more competitive.

In the public sector, ensuring that wages are both competitive and fair is crucial to attracting and retaining qualified talent. A comprehensive review of the salary structure is essential, linking remuneration to clear and measurable performance indicators. This approach would not only encourage efficiency but also foster greater accountability in public management. By rewarding excellence and addressing inefficiencies, the public sector could become a model of transparency and effective administration, setting an example for other sectors.

Ecuador possesses immense tourism potential, thanks to its diverse ecosystems, rich cultural heritage, and strategic location in South America. However, fully unlocking this potential requires substantial improvements in infrastructure and international promotion efforts. Enhancing hotel infrastructure, marking access routes, and building partnerships with international travel agencies could position the country as a leading sustainable and diverse destination. This would generate jobs in local communities, support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and promote the conservation of natural and cultural heritage. Initiatives that encourage ecotourism and cultural tourism could also enhance Ecuador’s global reputation, attracting more responsible and long-term tourism investments.

Road safety is another pressing issue that demands immediate attention. The country’s current road infrastructure is insufficient to meet the growing demands of commerce and tourism. Implementing a national road signage and maintenance plan would reduce traffic accidents and improve connectivity between rural areas and urban markets. This would facilitate the flow of goods and services, strengthen the agricultural sector’s access to new markets, and boost regional development. Additionally, educational campaigns on road safety and responsible driving practices would help reduce accidents and protect the lives of thousands of Ecuadorians each year.

Building a fairer and more prosperous Ecuador is not only possible but also within our reach if we work together on real and sustainable reforms. These proposals aim to foster debate and offer concrete solutions to some of the country’s most pressing challenges. Achieving systemic change requires the involvement of all sectors—government, private industry, civil society, and citizens. Are we ready for this change? The answer lies in our collective will and determination to create a better future for all Ecuadorians.

This text is protected under the Creative Commons Attribution (BY) license, allowing its reproduction and distribution as long as the author, Manuel de Jesús Bravo Rivera, is cited.