Abstract

YUNDA ALVAREZ, Franklin Ernesto; BASURTO VERA, Karla Damary  and  ZURITA BANOS, Andreina Xiomara. Adaptive territorial planning model for resilient transport infrastructure: Climate risk and rural road network in Quinsaloma. e-Rev. Multidiscip. Saber [online]. 2025, vol.3, e-RMS07112025.  Epub Dec 10, 2025. ISSN 2960-2467.  https://doi.org/10.61286/e-rms.v3i.293.

The impact of tertiary road infrastructure on the socioeconomic and territorial development of the Quinsaloma canton is significant. Adopting a mixed descriptive-correlational approach, the methodology combined in situ field diagnostics, the application of a citizen perception survey to a representative sample of the population, and cartographic analysis using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The primary objective was to establish the relationship between poor road quality and limitations in local development. The findings confirm a significant negative correlation, identifying the condition of the road network as the main limiting factor for progress. Road deterioration-characterized by potholes and surface wear-directly affects the profitability of agricultural and commercial activities and restricts access for most of the rural population to essential services such as healthcare and education, thereby generating adverse impacts on quality of life and safety. Furthermore, a deterrent effect on foreign investment and the establishment of new businesses was observed, perpetuating underdevelopment. The most critical finding is the high hydrological and structural vulnerability, particularly in areas such as Achotillo and Estero de Damas, where the absence of bridges and culverts hinders year-round mobility and exposes agricultural production to climate-related risks. In response, there is strong social consensus, with the vast majority of residents demanding the implementation of a regular maintenance program and the prioritization of road improvement within the Territorial Development and Land Use Plan (PDOT).

Keywords : road infrastructure; territorial development; hydrological vulnerability; territorial planning (PDOT); socioeconomic development.

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