Participatory land suitability evaluation for agroecological transition: insights from the BIAN project, Ecuador

Abstract

This study, carried out in the framework of the Biocorridor Andes North Project in Ecuador's Northern Andes, uses participatory methodologies, combining Geographic Information Systems with local knowledge, to assess the perceived land suitability of most relevant land uses in Mariano Acosta, El Carmelo and Tabacundo parishes. This approach, employing Pairwise Ranking and the Analytic Hierarchy Process, ensures that land use evaluation, and following technical recommendations, are both scientifically sound and aligned with community needs and priorities. Preliminary results show promising suitability maps, indicating needs for adjustment in the overlay methodology.