Intervenante : Grace Guerrero, Université pontificale d’Équateur / Pacte - Villes et territoires

Résumé (séance en anglais) :

This thesis investigates four elements that influence territorial dynamics in small cantons of Ecuador. Demographic and economic factors, the level of institutionalism and existing social capital, as well as the dynamics produced in the small city or cantonal capital influence the territories of small cantons, which are characterized by a context of territorial inequality. 

The comparative study is conducted in four Ecuadorian cantons, two in the highlands and two on the coast. Two of which have greater population growth rates than the national average, while the others have lower growth rates. The comparison enables us to identify differences in the representation and relationship of these factors, as well as whether or not they lead to territorial development. 

The methodology of the study is mixed. Two population and housing censuses, national and territorial planning data, and other quantitative estimations for the cantons were used. On-site interviews were conducted to also include local inhabitants' perspectives on territorial dynamics, with a focus on qualitative and quantitative variables that serve to explain differences in cantonal dynamics.