Electrificación, desarrollo rural y Buen Vivir. Un análisis a partir de las parroquias Taday y Rivera (Ecuador)

Abstract

Access to electricity aims to improve the living conditions of rural dwellers and reduce social inequality. Based on this premise, we analyze the introduction of electricity as a way to achieve Buen Vivir and encourage production development in the rural areas of Taday and Rivera (Ecuador). Interviews with local people, members of private sector, technical public administrators and local politicians highlight the value of this new service due to its positive impact on people´s health and education, on the growing participation of women in the labor force, on reducing social exclusion, and its effect on local economic activity. Taking this into account, local agency and government policies are key elements to stimulate rural development from the productive use of electricity in sectors such as agribusiness and tourism with great potential for development.