Characterization of the Family Unit Responsible for Raising Guinea Pigs and the Role of the Species as a Promoter for the Incorporation and Revaluation of the Productive Role of Rural Women

Abstract

Women's participation in the agricultural sector and their access to economic opportunities and important decisions in their lives have been limited by structural and technical factors. In this context, the objective is to analyze the participation of the family unit in the raising of guinea pigs (Cavia Porcellus) in Azuay in order to demonstrate the differential role of gender in this productive activity. For this purpose, a mixed methodology was implemented, using data collection techniques such as surveys and interviews. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. The results show that this activity is mainly carried out by women of adult age, with a primary education level, married and not associated with any organization. Regarding the impact of gender on guinea pig production, it is shown that, in this activity, age and lack of access to technical training have a negative impact on their development. In contrast, marital status and some reproductive practices, such as the separation of females from males, have a positive impact on this process. On the other hand, women are responsible for making decisions regarding the resources needed to raise guinea pigs, such as land use, guinea pig marketing and self-consumption, because it is considered a domestic activity. In conclusion, guinea pig production, being an activity mostly carried out by women, is not highly valued as a source of employment, making their contribution to economic, family and local development invisible.