Comportamiento del consumo de maíz amarillo en las industrias ecuatorianas y su incidencia en la producción e importación.

Abstract

The study addresses one of the most important issues for food security and agroindustrial development in the country, since yellow corn is the basis for the production of feed in strategic sectors such as poultry, pork, and aquaculture; However, domestic production is insufficient to meet the growing demand of industries, which has generated a strong dependence on imports, implying a constant outflow of foreign currency, exposure to international price volatility, and vulnerability to external factors such as transportation and trade restrictions. A qualitative approach through interviews with key industry stakeholders showed that consumption is primarily guided by cost-benefit criteria, quality, and consistency in supply, which inclines companies toward imported corn. This allows us to identify that Ecuador has the agricultural potential to be self-sufficient, provided that technological innovation programs, specialized financing, and alliances between producers and industries are promoted. Therefore, marketing and productive strengthening strategies are proposed to improve the competitiveness of Ecuadorian corn, reduce external dependence, and consolidate a sustainable model that guarantees economic and industrial stability in the medium and long term.