Análisis de la productividad de la Asociación Artesanal Mujeres Emprendedoras de la Comunidad el Progreso y su aporte al desarrollo local

Abstract

This study that measured productivity and local development of the Artisan Association of Female Entrepreneurs in the rural community El Progreso, in San Plácido Parish, Portoviejo Canton, with regards to the lack of this type of study in this place. For the purpose of the methodology process, this study started with the collection of primary data by conducting both a survey and an unstructured interview with the 17 members of this local association, in order to measure their productivity levels. Then, data were analyzed and tabulated statistically; productivity and local development formulas were applied to these data. Survey findings show that all the members of this local association are multifunctional. Findings from the interview categorize milk candy (manjar) as the star product and point out that its production process, although lacking a well-defined structure and/or adequate management controls, does have industrial technology as seen in the use of suitable equipment and devices. Tabulated data results reveal that the Female Entrepreneurs Association accounts for 51.14% of productivity and 20.39% of local development contribution. It is concluded that the productivity level of this association is optimal; however, it does not contribute significantly to local development of this rural community.