Hacienda Dissolution, Peasant Struggle, and Land Market in Ecuador's Central Highlands (Canton Colta, Chimborazo Province)

摘要

In the Ecuadorean highlands, an agrarian structure long dominated by the hacienda system has been transformed into one characterized by small-scale production on private parels. The study focuses on the transformation process in the Colta canton of Chimborazo Province. Although the land market in Colta was stimulated by agrarian reform, the study contends that the dissolution of haciendas was primarily driven by: the fragmentation of landed estates by inheritance since the early 20th century; and the nearly constant, even everyday struggles between landlords and peasants over access to hacienda resources. The study describes three land transfers in Colta, showing how each reflects the local power relations between landlord and peasant. In conclusion, it recommends that the Government of Ecuador implement a program to extend peasant access to those hacienda lands which remain in the hands of the agrarian bourgeoisie.