Sandra Liliana

Sandra Liliana is a 35-year-old farmer from Carchi Province in northern Ecuador. She is married and, together with her husband, is raising two children aged 9 and 4. While her husband works on a flower farm, Sandra contributes to the family's income through agriculture and agricultural day labour. Their combined efforts help cover household expenses and support their children's education.

From a young age, Sandra worked as a farm labourer, gaining practical experience and valuable agricultural skills. Drawing on this knowledge, she decided to establish her own farming enterprise 16 years ago, beginning with the cultivation of quinoa, a crop valued for its nutritional qualities and wide range of uses in food products such as soups, salads, baked goods and beverages.

Today, Sandra cultivates quinoa on three hectares of land, planting two crop cycles each year. To support production, she employs 20 workers who assist with planting and crop maintenance. Through careful management and consistent investment, she has developed a productive operation that generates approximately 330 quintals of quinoa annually. Her harvest is sold directly from the farm to local traders, providing an important source of income for her household and creating employment opportunities within the community.

Looking to further strengthen and diversify her farming business, Sandra applied for a loan to establish a potato crop alongside her existing quinoa production. Expanding into a second agricultural product will allow her to reduce reliance on a single crop and create additional sources of income.

The loan will be used to purchase potato seed, fertilisers and agricultural inputs, as well as to cover labour costs associated with planting and crop establishment. These investments will enable Sandra to cultivate potatoes efficiently and give her the opportunity to offer a wider range of produce to her buyers.

By diversifying production, Sandra hopes to increase farm income, create additional employment opportunities and strengthen her family's financial security. She remains committed to developing her agricultural enterprise and building a better future for her children through hard work and sustainable farming.