EkoRural is an Ecuadorian NGO that is a founding member of the global partnership NGO Groundswell International.  Groundswell’s mission is to contribute to the global movement to overcome poverty, inequality and ecological destruction by supporting community-based organizations to work together to improve wellbeing, spread lasting solutions and engage in wider coalitions for change.

The communities that EkoRural works with are located in fragile and degraded mountain ecosystems where climate change is altering rainfall patterns and groundwater availability, increasing the challenges for smallholder agricultural production.  The majority of men migrate to other areas for work, and so women have taken on increased responsibilities in managing their families, agricultural production and community organization and leadership.  EkoRural coordinates its support closely with community organizational structures (community councils and traditional organizations) whose leaders often act as community development promoters as well.  Women play a lead role in community and program activities.

EkoRural accompanies and strengthens the capacity of community-based organizations to improve food production, income generation and community health.  As positive changes are achieved in these communities, community leaders work to spread effective approaches to nearby families and communities.