Financial education and economic sustainability among members of the potato-based agricultural producers cooperative

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between financial education and the economic sustainability of members of theCooperative of Agricultural Producers Based on Potato Production, located in Chimborazo, Ecuador. The purpose is todetermine the impact of financial literacy on the continuity of agricultural production and the adaptive capacity of farming households. A mixed-methods approach with a descriptive and correlational scope was employed, using structured surveys applied to the entire population (N = 89) and inferential statistical analysis through the Chi-square test. The results show that 66% of members have a low level of financial knowledge, which negatively affects their saving capacity, access to credit, and ability to invest. Furthermore, a significant association (p < 0.001) was found between the level of financial education and the perception of economic sustainability, as well as between the perceived importance of financial education and the continuity of agricultural production. The study concludes thatfinancial education is a determining factor in strengthening the economic resilience and productive viability of small-scale farmers. It recommends context-based training programs and strategic alliances with financial institutions to improve levels of economic inclusion in rural areas.