Historia de la adopción de la tecnología de riego por aspersión en la producción de cultivo de banano en Ecuador

The present study analyzes the adoption of sprinkler irrigation in banana production in Ecuador, one of the main exporters of this fruit. Due to the high water demand of the crop, the implementation of efficient irrigation systems is key to ensure the productivity and sustainability of the sector. Technical, socioeconomic and environmental factors that have influenced its adoption are identified, such as initial investment, access to financing, technical training and the impact of climate change. The results show that, although sprinkler irrigation has been successful in many plantations, its adoption is not uniform. Large producers have been able to implement it thanks to their investment capacity, while small farmers face economic barriers and lack of information. Despite these challenges, this technology improves productivity, optimizes water use and minimizes environmental impact. It is essential to strengthen government and private support programs that facilitate access to financing and training to facilitate its adoption by small and medium-scale producers. It is also recommended to continue researching irrigation technologies that are more accessible and adapted to the country's agroclimatic conditions. A comprehensive approach based on innovation, investment and education will ensure more efficient, competitive and sustainable banana production.

The present study analyzes the adoption of sprinkler irrigation in banana production in Ecuador, one of the main exporters of this fruit. Due to the high water demand of the crop, the implementation of efficient irrigation systems is key to ensure the productivity and sustainability of the sector. Technical, socioeconomic and environmental factors that have influenced its adoption are identified, such as initial investment, access to financing, technical training and the impact of climate change. The results show that, although sprinkler irrigation has been successful in many plantations, its adoption is not uniform. Large producers have been able to implement it thanks to their investment capacity, while small farmers face economic barriers and lack of information. Despite these challenges, this technology improves productivity, optimizes water use and minimizes environmental impact. It is essential to strengthen government and private support programs that facilitate access to financing and training to facilitate its adoption by small and medium-scale producers. It is also recommended to continue researching irrigation technologies that are more accessible and adapted to the country's agroclimatic conditions. A comprehensive approach based on innovation, investment and education will ensure more efficient, competitive and sustainable banana production.

El presente estudio analiza la adopción del riego por aspersión en la producción de banano en Ecuador, uno de los principales exportadores de esta fruta. Debido a la alta demanda hídrica del cultivo, la implementación de sistemas de riego eficientes es clave para garantizar la productividad y sostenibilidad del sector. Se identifican factores técnicos, socioeconómicos y ambientales que han influido en su adopción, como la inversión inicial, el acceso a financiamiento, la capacitación técnica y el impacto del cambio climático. Los resultados muestran que, aunque el riego por aspersión ha sido exitoso en muchas plantaciones, su adopción no es uniforme. Los grandes productores han podido implementarlo gracias a su capacidad de inversión, mientras que los pequeños agricultores enfrentan barreras económicas y falta de información. A pesar de estos desafíos, esta tecnología mejora la productividad, optimiza el uso del agua y minimiza el impacto ambiental. Es fundamental fortalecer los programas de apoyo gubernamental y privado que faciliten el acceso a financiamiento y capacitación para facilitar su adopción en pequeños y medianos productores. También se recomienda seguir investigando tecnologías de riego más accesibles y adaptadas a las condiciones agroclimáticas del país. Un enfoque integral basado en innovación, inversión y educación garantizará una producción de banano más eficiente, competitiva y sostenible.