As World Region of Gastronomy 2026, recognized by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism (IGCAT), Manabí has positioned its gastronomic heritage as a driver of employment, responsible tourism, value chain strengthening, and the dignification of those who produce the food that defines our identity. This is especially significant within the framework of the United Nations’ International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, as women are the backbone of Manabí’s culinary traditions, agricultural innovation, and cultural preservation.
The province of Manabí is pleased to present the 2025 Voluntary Local Review (VLR), a testament to its commitment to sustainable and inclusive development. This is the province’s fourth consecutive report since 2022, solidifying its leadership as the first in Ecuador to produce a Voluntary Local Review. The report reflects collaboration with key partners, including the UNDP, INEC, CAF, IGCAT, and local universities, ensuring technical rigor and reliability.
Empowering Women Farmers: The Heart of Manabí’s Sustainable Future
Women farmers in Manabí are the driving force behind the province’s agricultural heritage, culinary traditions, and economic resilience. Far beyond their role as producers, they are innovators, educators, and guardians of biodiversity, ensuring that Manabí’s food systems thrive while preserving cultural identity. Their work spans regenerative farming, entrepreneurship, and community leadership, making them essential to the province’s progress in sustainable development. From reviving heirloom crops like cacao and plantain to leading cooperatives that connect local producers with markets, these women are not only sustaining livelihoods but also shaping the future of rural economies.
To honour their impact, the 2025 LVR goes beyond symbolic representation by showcasing real stories of resilience and innovation. Through case studies and testimonials, the report highlights how women farmers are adopting sustainable practices, overcoming barriers, and creating economic opportunities for themselves and their communities. These stories also address the challenges they face – such as limited access to resources, climate change, and market inequalities – and demonstrate how partnerships with local institutions and programs are helping to overcome them. By integrating their voices into policy and planning, Manabí is not only recognizing their indispensable role but also building a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
A Collaborative Path to the SDGs
As a government entity, Manabí has prioritized evidence-based interventions to achieve measurable and sustainable impact in alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The 2025 Local Voluntary Review is a product of this commitment, developed through a participatory process involving government agencies, academic institutions, international partners, and local stakeholders.
This report reflects Manabí’s dedication to inclusive growth, ensuring that progress is equitable and responsive to the needs of all communities, particularly the women farmers who are the heart of the province’s cultural and economic fabric.
Access the Report
The 2025 Local Voluntary Review is now available in Spanish and English.
This report serves as a strategic tool for policymakers, practitioners, and partners, illustrating how Manabí is transforming challenges into opportunities and advancing toward a sustainable, inclusive, and culturally vibrant future.
We invite you to explore the report and join us in celebrating the resilience and contributions of Manabí’s women farmers and communities.
