Participatory and Inclusive Education in Comprehensive Community Safety: A Study Based on the Assessment of Rural Vulnerability in Ecuador

Abstract

This paper is part of a study that addresses the strengthening of comprehensive security as an important factor for the sustainable development of the “El Forastero” neighborhood, located in the rural parish of Belisario Quevedo, Ecuador. The community faces a critical level of vulnerability to human-induced and natural risks; in some cases, it has limited access to basic services and economic opportunities, even though its main source of income is agriculture and livestock farming. The research was conducted using a mixed-methods approach, incorporating observation, surveys, and community participation in order to assess the current state of the neighborhood. The survey was conducted on a nonprobability sample of 73 residents; among these families, there are 5 who care for people with disabilities, and direct field observation was also carried out. The results show that the main threat to this site is volcanic eruptions (80%), followed by landslides (78%) and floods (65%); likewise, the top priorities are access to drinking water (84%) and sewer systems (76%). This shows that the level of vulnerability to natural hazards and infrastructure limitations is high. Finally, it can be said that strengthening organizational capacity and implementing risk management programs are strategies of the utmost importance for increasing resilience and sustainability.