Contextualized Socioeconomic Management Model for Prioritizing Tertiary Rural Roads in the Portoviejo Canton

Abstract

This research addresses the limited connectivity of tertiary rural roads in the Portoviejo canton and its impact on mobility, productivity, and access to essential services in dispersed parishes. The objective is to propose a contextualized socioeconomic management model that allows prioritizing road segments considering territorial, social, and productive variables. The methodology was based on a systematic documentary review of literature, regulations, and territorial studies, complemented by preliminary geospatial analysis using GIS (geographic information systems) to identify patterns of accessibility, population dispersion, and dependence on the tertiary road network. The results reveal methodological gaps in Ecuador, a strong relationship between social vulnerability and rural mobility, and the need to integrate socioeconomic criteria into decision-making. The proposed model articulates socioeconomic diagnosis, identification of critical segments, accessibility assessment, and weighted prioritization. It is concluded that comprehensive road management enables more equitable, efficient, and territorially pertinent interventions.