Opening Markets and Creating Opportunity in Afro-Ecuadorian Communities

In Ecuador’s northern province of Esmeraldas, Afro-Ecuadorian communities have long been excluded from formal employment and market opportunities. For many, farming hearts of palm is one of the few viable sources of income, but getting that harvest to buyers is anything but simple.

Hearts of palm farmer transporting product along the Cayapas River.

That’s why the work of Ecuaconservas is so powerful. This prominent food processing company sources hearts of palm from 12 Afro-Ecuadorian communities, totaling over 400 families living deep in the rainforest. Farmers navigate hours along the Cayapas River in small wooden boats to bring their harvest to Borbón, where Ecuaconservas collects the product and ships it to their processing facility. The company pays fair prices — up to 30% above market — and provides training, safety gear, and access to medical kits for workers in these remote communities.

Their operation is both community-rooted and globally certified: Ecuaconservas holds organic and fair trade certifications, helping their farmers access international buyers who demand quality and accountability.

Left: Farmers meet staff from Ecuaconservas in Borbón. Right: Hearts of palm storage.

A $100,000 loan from the Reciprocity Fund will help Ecuaconservas meet growing demand, including a new order from U.S.-based Edward & Sons, and expand purchases from smallholder farmers across the region.

​We’re proud to support a business that connects remote Afro-Ecuadorian communities to dignified work and global markets.

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