Determinants of poverty in Ecuador

Abstract

Poverty has multiple definitions and, therefore, some divergences related to its measurement. The study examines the determinants of poverty in Ecuador, a multidimensional phenomenon that includes a lack of resources and social exclusion. Using a descriptive and correlational approach, a binary logistic regression model is applied to analyze poverty risk based on housing type and access to basic services in urban and rural areas. The data comes from the National Employment, Unemployment, and Underemployment Survey conducted by INEC, and the results were analyzed using SPSS and Minitab software. The findings reveal marked differences between rural and urban areas in terms of access to infrastructure and basic services. In rural areas, a lower percentage of households have access to potable water, sanitation, and electricity compared to urban areas, reflecting inequality in quality of life. Rural housing tends to be less stable and lacks durable materials, which increases the risk of poverty. Additionally, factors such as the use of firewood for cooking and waste disposal through burning are common in rural areas. The research concludes that poverty in Ecuador is strongly influenced by structural and economic factors, such as dependence on primary sectors and the lack of productive diversification. It is recommended to implement comprehensive public policies that promote equitable access to basic services and improve living conditions in rural areas, aiming to reduce the gaps between urban and rural sectors and to combat poverty at a national level.