Inversión de remesas y las condiciones económicas de los hogares del Cantón Suscal

Abstract

International migration and remittances are significant phenomena due to their impact on the livelihood, savings, and investment strategies of recipient families. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between remittance investment and the economic conditions of recipient households in the Suscal canton, Cañar province, Ecuador. A quantitative, correlational, non-experimental, cross-sectional study was conducted with 308 households selected through random probability sampling. Data were collected using a 42-question questionnaire, including 32 statements on a five-point Likert scale. The instrument showed high overall internal consistency (α = 0.917), as well as high internal consistency for remittance investment (α = 0.874) and economic conditions (α = 0.914). The analysis included descriptive statistics, 95% confidence intervals, and Spearman’s rho correlations. A positive, moderate, and statistically significant association was identified between the variables (ρ = 0.455; p < 0.001). Consumption had the highest mean (M = 4.19; 95% CI [4.06; 4.32]), followed by investment in assets (M = 4.04; 95% CI [3.92; 4.17]); productive investment had the lowest value (M = 2.62; 95% CI [2.46; 2.77]). The strongest relationship was observed between investment in assets and economic stability (ρ = 0.485), followed by productive investment and household wealth (ρ = 0.326). It is concluded that diversification in the use of remittances is associated with better economic conditions, although their limited focus on productive activities restricts the generation of sustainable income. Keywords: migration, remittances, economic conditions, investment, consumption.