Systems and Social Dynamics in the Rural City of La Concordia: Strengths and Weaknesses Related to Its Development at the Beginning of the 21st Century

: This study aims to identify strategies for promoting economic-social development and territorial planning in the municipality of La Concordia, with a focus on the promotion of small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in the primary and tertiary sectors and the strengthening of labor market mobility. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, including qualitative interviews with key stakeholders, a survey of micro and small business owners, and a review of relevant literature. The study identified several potentialities and weaknesses associated with the micro-systems within the municipality and recommended specific strategies to support entrepreneurship and mobility in the labor market, including access to credit and financial services, development of value chains and clusters


Introduction
The town of La Concordia is one of the most dynamic economic and agricultural centers in the northern region of the country, Ecuador.Since its appearance as a small, populated center at the beginning of the 20th century, it has experienced rapid demographic and economic growth, which has resulted in a certain social configuration, which is characterized by a set of conditions that favor its progress for the future, but also hinder its development.In a previous work [1], a historical study was carried out about the gestation and growth of La Concordia as a city, in order to determine how the social and economic structure was formed through the confluence of various social and economic factors.The study of such an economic and demographic development is a complex and interdisciplinary field that involves the analysis of various social and cultural factors that shape the growth and sustainability of communities [2].In recent years, there has been a growing interest in understanding the micro-systems that influence economic and demographic development, as they play a critical role in shaping the overall macro-system of a community [3].La Concordia, initially a small community in the country of Ecuador, has experienced a significant economic and demographic development over the years thanks to the confluence of four social micro-systems: Migration, Colonization Dynamics, Entrepreneurial Attitude, and Cooperativism.In this article, we present a diagnosis of these Weaknesses Related to Its Development at the Beginning of the 21st Century micro-systems and their role in the economic and demographic development of the city.We use concepts developed within cultural anthropology and systems theory to explain the state and configuration of these social micro-systems and their integration into the total macro-system of La Concordia.Our analysis is based on the discussion of indicators of potentialities and development problems associated with each micro-system.
Migration is one of the critical micro-systems that have contributed to the economic and demographic development of the city of La Concordia.The migration of people from other regions to La Concordia has brought new skills, ideas, and perspectives that have contributed to the growth and diversity of the community.Colonization Dynamics, on the other hand, refers to the process by which new land is transformed into productive agricultural land.This micro-system has been instrumental in the growth of agriculture in La Concordia, as it has allowed for the expansion of the agricultural frontier and the development of new agricultural practices.Entrepreneurial Attitude is another essential micro-system that has contributed to the economic and demographic development of La Concordia.This micro-system refers to the culture of entrepreneurship and innovation that exists within the community.The promotion of small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in the primary and tertiary sectors has led to the development of new businesses and job opportunities, which have contributed to the economic growth of the community.Finally, Cooperativism is a micro-system that has played a critical role in the economic and social development of La Concordia.Cooperativism refers to the cooperative movement that exists within the community, where people come together to achieve a common goal.In Ecuadorian history, cooperatives have been instrumental in promoting the welfare of the community and providing opportunities for economic growth and development.
The analysis presented in this article about the interaction between these micro systems shows that any public policy proposal for development of La Concordia must include strategies that take into account the promotion of small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in the primary and tertiary sectors, as well as the strengthening of mobility in the labor market.Our findings highlight the importance of understanding the micro-systems that influence economic and demographic development and the need to develop strategies that leverage the potential of these micro-systems for sustainable development.The use of cultural anthropology and systems theory provides a useful framework for understanding the state and configuration of these micro-systems and their role in the overall macro-system of the community.The findings presented in this article have important implications for public policy and development strategies, highlighting the need to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and cooperation for sustainable economic and demographic development.As the main diagnostic resource, the article establishes a matrix of contemporary "strengths" and "problems" associated with each of the 4 micro-systems, and in turn, it establishes the most appropriate vectors of intervention for any economic or social program of development that aims to improve the social and material conditions of the city.
The article is part of a Research Project entitled "Social and Economic Factors that Influence the Development of the Canton La Concordia", which has been worked on by research professors belonging to UTELVT -La Concordia University -Ecuador, since 2019.

Methodology
In this study, we employed a qualitative research approach to conduct an in-depth analysis of the four micro-systems that have contributed to the economic and demographic development of the city.We used cultural anthropology and systems theory [4] as a framework to understand the state and configuration of these micro-systems and their integration into a total macro-system.Our analysis was based on the discussion of indicators of potentialities and development problems associated with each micro-system.
To gather data, we conducted semi-structured interviews with key informants who were knowledgeable about the history and development of La Concordia.These informants included local authorities, members of cooperatives, business owners, and residents who had lived in the city for an extended period.We also reviewed secondary sources such as academic papers, government reports, and statistical data to support our analysis.
The data collected through interviews and secondary sources were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach.The analysis was done in several steps, which included identifying patterns, themes, and categories in the data.We organized our analysis around the four micro-systems previously mentioned.For each micro-system we identified the key strengths and challenges that influenced its contribution to economic and demographic development.
In addition, we created a matrix of contemporary "strengths" and "problems" associated with each micro-system.The matrix was used as the main diagnostic resource to establish the most appropriate vectors of intervention for any economic or social program of development that aims to improve the social and material conditions of the city.The matrix was also used to develop recommendations for public policy and development strategies that promote sustainable economic and demographic development in La Concordia.
Overall, the methodology used in this study allowed us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the social micro-systems that influence economic and demographic development in La Concordia.The use of qualitative data collection and analysis allowed us to explore the nuances and complexities of each micro-system and its relationship with the overall macro-system.The analysis presented in this study provides a useful framework for understanding the potential for sustainable development and the need to develop strategies that leverage this potential.

Results
The study of the interaction dynamics between micro-systems results in a social economic panorama that favors development, particularly associated with: The table presents a diagnostic analysis of the micro-system of migration in the city of La Concordia, Ecuador.The micro-system of migration refers to the movement of people from one place to another, either within the same country or from one country to another.Migration is an important factor in economic and demographic development, as it brings new skills, ideas, and perspectives to a community [5].However, it can also create challenges, such as unemployment, social inequality, and cultural fragmentation.The table identifies the strengths and weaknesses associated with the micro-system.

Migration Dimension -Strengths and Weaknesses
The strengths of migration in La Concordia include the presence of a young economically active population, migration processes to and within the city, and cultural diversity.The presence of a young economically active population is a positive factor for economic development, as it means that there are a significant number of people who are willing and able to work.Migration processes to and within the city are also a positive factor, as they bring new people and ideas to the community.Cultural diversity is also an important strength, as it can create a rich and vibrant community with a variety of cultural traditions and practices.
However, the micro-system of migration also has weaknesses that need to be addressed.These weaknesses include unemployment, hidden unemployment and underemployment in youth, country-city migration that reduces the rural population, absence of policies to reduce rural migration, scarce organization of ethnic groups and social groups with similar migratory origins, and the absence of local cultural promotion policies.
Unemployment is a significant problem in the city, as it means that many people are unable to find work and earn a living.Country-city migration that reduces the rural population is another challenge, as it means that there are fewer people living in rural areas and working in agriculture, which can lead to a decline in agricultural productivity and a loss of traditional knowledge and practices.The absence of policies to reduce rural migration is also a problem, as it means that people are leaving rural areas without adequate support or alternatives.Despite the influx of new migrants to the city, there are limited employment opportunities, and many young people are forced to rely on informal or precarious work.This situation leads to hidden unemployment and underemployment, where individuals are not formally unemployed but are working in jobs that do not match their skills or qualifications.
The scarce organization of ethnic groups and social groups with similar migratory origins is another challenge, as it means that these groups may not have a strong voice in the community or be able to advocate effectively for their interests.The absence of local cultural promotion policies is also a problem, as it means that the rich cultural traditions and practices of the community may not be adequately recognized or supported.
Another issue that arises from rural-urban migration is the potential for social exclusion and marginalization of certain groups within the city [6], such as has been the case with indigenous or Afro-Ecuadorian communities.These groups may face discrimination and prejudice, leading to limited access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.It is therefore essential to ensure that policies aimed at promoting migration to the city also include measures to address these issues and ensure that all members of the community have equal access to resources and opportunities.
Another weakness associated with migration is the impact it has on rural populations.As people move to the city, the rural population decreases, which can have negative consequences for agriculture and rural development [7].Without policies to reduce rural migration, the trend is likely to continue, leading to further depletion of rural communities and their resources.
The table also highlights the absence of policies aimed at promoting local cultural and ethnic groups.The city of La Concordia is home to a diverse population, with different migratory origins and cultural backgrounds.However, there is little organization among these groups, and few policies aimed at promoting their cultural heritage and traditions.This situation can lead to the loss of cultural diversity and limit opportunities for cultural exchange and enrichment.
The strengths, such as the presence of a young economically active population, migration processes to and within the city, and cultural diversity, should be leveraged to promote growth and innovation.The weaknesses, such as unemployment, hidden unemployment and underemployment in youth, country-city migration that reduces the rural population, absence of policies to reduce rural migration, scarce organization of ethnic groups and social groups with similar migratory origins, and absence of local cultural promotion policies, should be addressed through targeted policies and interventions that aim to promote social and economic inclusion, support traditional practices and knowledge, and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the community.The table describes the strengths and weaknesses associated with the dynamics of colonialism.The principal strengths of the dynamics of colonialism in La Concordia include soil biophysical conditions favorable to agricultural production and the land redistribution process associated with colonization.On the other hand, the weaknesses of the dynamics of colonialism within the urban center include deficient policies to promote soil productivity, lack of infrastructure at the producer level, lack of marketing infrastructure, scarcity of agro-industrial training, tendency of the rural area to depend on certain services established in the urban center, and unplanned growth of the urban perimeter.

Dynamic Dimension of Colonialism -Strengths and Weaknesses
The polycentric distribution of human settlements is a strength associated with the Dynamics of Colonization.This means that there are multiple centers of human settlement, which allows for the decentralization of urban processes and the availability of land for urban expansion [8].However, this also brings some weaknesses, such as the tendency of the rural area to depend on certain services established in the urban center.This concentration of services limits the development of services in rural areas, which can lead to uneven development and unequal access to services.
The soil conditions favorable to agricultural production, which encourage new immigration of farmers.The city's location in the northern region of Ecuador provides a suitable climate for agriculture.The soil is fertile and allows for the cultivation of crops such as cocoa, coffee, and bananas, which are major agricultural products of the region.The availability of land also encourages agricultural production, making La Concordia an important agricultural center in the region.
Another strength is the land redistribution process associated with colonization.The process of colonization involved the distribution of land to small farmers, which led to the development of small-scale agriculture in the region.This has contributed to the diversity of crops produced and has provided new opportunities for small-scale farmers to participate in the agricultural sector.
However, one of the weaknesses is the deficient policies to promote soil productivity.The lack of policies has led to the degradation of the soil in some areas, which has affected the productivity of crops.This has also contributed to the low income of small-scale farmers, who are unable to afford the inputs necessary to improve soil productivity of their lands.
Another difficulty is the lack of infrastructure at the producer level.Despite the favorable soil biophysical conditions for agricultural production, there is a lack of access to basic infrastructure such as irrigation systems, rural roads, and storage facilities.This limits the productivity of farmers and makes it difficult for them to transport and market their products.Additionally, there is a scarcity of agro-industrial training, which limits the ability of farmers to add value to their products and participate in higher value chains.This has led to difficulties in accessing markets and transporting goods to the urban center.The scarcity of agro-industrial training has also limited the ability of farmers to add value to their products and access higher value markets.This has resulted in a limited diversification in the activities of the farmers.
The tendency of the rural area to depend on services established in the urban center is a known limitation [9].This phenomenon has led to the concentration of services and resources in the city, which has contributed to the marginalization of rural areas.The unplanned growth of the urban area has led to the expansion of the urban settlements into agricultural lands, leading to the loss of agricultural production areas.
While the favorable biophysical conditions and land redistribution associated with colonization have contributed to the growth of agriculture and the availability of land for urban expansion, there are weaknesses such as the lack of infrastructure and agro-industrial training that limit productivity and value-added activities.Additionally, the polycentric distribution of human settlements can be a strength, but also brings weaknesses such as the concentration of services in the urban center and the unplanned growth of the urban perimeter.To promote sustainable economic and demographic development in La Concordia, it is important to develop policies and strategies that leverage the strengths of the Dynamics of Colonization, while addressing the weaknesses to create a more equitable and inclusive development path.

DIMENSION POTENTIALITY WEAKNESS ENTREPRENEURIAL ATTITUDE Local economy based on Primary and Tertiary Economy
Imbalance in primary production, and in the process of adding value.Deficient Secondary Sector The micro-system of entrepreneurial attitude is an important aspect of the development [10].This system in the is characterized by a local economy that is based on primary and tertiary sectors.The primary sector involves the extraction of raw materials such as agriculture, forestry, and mining, while the tertiary sector is associated with services such as commerce, hospitality, and health.One of the strengths of this micro-system is the local economy's focus on those sectors.The city is well-suited for agriculture and forestry due to its favorable soil and biophysical conditions.This makes it possible to produce a range of crops such as cocoa, bananas, coffee, and livestock, among others.Additionally, the land redistribution process associated with colonization has helped to make land more accessible to farmers.
One strength of the entrepreneurial attitude is that it fosters a polycentric distribution of human settlements [11].This means that there are multiple centers of economic activity within the city, which provides access to more opportunities for businesses and individuals.Furthermore, there is a good availability of land to consolidate urban processes.
Despite the strengths of this micro-system, there are also some weaknesses that hinder development.One weakness is the imbalance in primary production and the process of adding value.The city is mostly focused on primary production, which means that it is heavily dependent on the extraction of raw materials.This leaves the city vulnerable to fluctuations in commodity prices and can lead to economic instability.
Another limitation is the deficient secondary sector.The secondary sector includes industries such as manufacturing and construction.These industries are important because they add value to raw materials and create job opportunities.However, in La Concordia, this sector is underdeveloped, which limits the city's potential for economic growth and diversification.
There is also a tendency for the rural area to depend on certain services established in the urban center.This limits the economic opportunities available in the rural areas and contributes to rural-urban migration.This also creates an unplanned growth of the urban perimeter, which can lead to infrastructure problems and a strain on public services.The micro-system of entrepreneurial attitude has thus its limitations and possibilities.The local economy's focus on the primary and tertiary sectors is a strength, but there is a need to diversify the economy by adding value to raw materials and developing the secondary sector.The polycentric distribution of human settlements is another source of potential development, but the tendency for the rural area to depend on the urban center and the unplanned growth of the urban perimeter are weaknesses that need to be addressed.By addressing these weaknesses, the city can unlock its full potential and create a sustainable path for its economic development.The micro-system of cooperativism in the city of La Concordia is characterized by a peculiar development.The economy is oriented towards popular and solidarity economy.This means that there are organizations of neighborhoods, autonomous merchants, alternative transportation, professional unions, and productive sectors that form a solid foundation for the cooperativism in the city.

Cooperative Dimension -Strengths and Weaknesses
One of the key strengths of the social dynamics in La Concordia is the economy being oriented towards the popular and solidarity economy.This has led to the formation of various organizations and unions that aim to promote cooperation and mutual aid among members.These include neighborhood organizations, merchants' associations, alternative transportation services, and professional unions, among others.These organizations have created a strong foundation for cooperativism, enabling members to work together to achieve common goals and improve their livelihoods.
Another potentiality is the existence of organizations that represent different sectors of society, such as producers, workers, and consumers.These organizations play a critical role in promoting economic democracy by empowering members to participate in decision-making processes and influencing economic policies that affect their livelihoods [12].
However, one of the main weaknesses is the inequity in the distribution of wealth between groups.This means that some groups benefit more than others from the economic activities that are organized through cooperativism.As a result, this can create tensions between different groups, which can undermine the solidarity and cooperation that is essential for the economic development.
Another limitation is related to the weak public institutions that represent civil society.This means that ta lack of government support can hinder its growth and development.Moreover, the dispersion and insufficient articulation between organizations can undermine the effectiveness of cooperativism, as it makes it difficult for different groups to work together towards common goals [13].
While the economy is oriented towards the popular and solidarity economy, there are also inequities in the distribution of wealth between groups and weak public institutions that represent civil society.To overcome these challenges, it is important to develop policies and programs that promote greater equity and inclusion within cooperativism, strengthen public institutions, and improve the coordination and articulation between different organizations.This can be achieved by providing support to marginalized groups, such as women and youth, who are often excluded from economic activities.Additionally, there is a need to strengthen public institutions that represent civil society, which can provide a supportive framework for the growth of cooperativism.Furthermore, efforts should be made to improve the articulation and coordination between different organizations, which can help to enhance their effectiveness and impact.By doing so, the influence of this particular social dynamic can be a factor to the development of a more sustainable and equitable economy.

Discussion
The study of the interaction dynamics of the most important social micro-systems is critical for understanding the economic and social development of the city of La Concordia.This study research the interaction dynamics of four social micro-systems in the city and their potentialities and limitations for development.The study stablished that a large part of the economically active social layer in the primary and tertiary sectors is relatively economically uniform and young.This finding is consistent with other studies that show the importance of the young population for economic growth and development.The young population is often more adaptable to changes in the labor market, and their entrepreneurial attitude can drive innovation and economic development.
The research also found that mobility in the social field and labor market is essential for the generation, adaptation, and development of economic sectors that respond to population needs and productive potential generated in social dynamics.Mobility is favored by, and at the same time enhances, the entrepreneurial attitude of the young, economically active layer of the population.This finding is consistent with other studies that show the importance of mobility for economic growth and development.
The study found that the potential for migration and cultural diversity can generate new economic opportunities and bring new ideas and perspectives to the region.Similarly, the dynamics of colonialism can provide favorable soil biophysical conditions for agricultural production and land redistribution processes associated with colonization.
However, it also detected a conglomerate of problems/weaknesses closely linked to the potentialities discovered, and that limit them.For example, the study found that the underemployment and unemployment of young people limit the potential of the economically active social layer in the primary and tertiary sectors.The deficiency in policies to promote soil productivity, the lack of infrastructure at the producer level, the lack of marketing infrastructure, and the scarcity of agro-industrial training are also limitations that affect the potential of the dynamics of colonialism.
Similarly, the study identified that the imbalance in primary production and the deficient secondary sector limit the potential of the entrepreneurial attitude.The inequity in the distribution of wealth between groups limits the potential of economic development.Weak public institutions that represent civil society, dispersion, and insufficient articulation between organizations limit the potential of the organizations of neighborhoods, autonomous merchants, alternative transportation, professional unions, and producer sectors.
Other authors have also explored the role of social micro-systems in economic development.It was found that a strong cooperative sector can contribute to greater economic resilience and stability, particularly in rural communities.This line of research also highlighted the importance of policies that support and promote cooperatives, as well as mechanisms for facilitating cooperation and coordination between different cooperative organizations.
Similarly, it has been emphasized the need for effective policy interventions to support and foster entrepreneurship, particularly among young people [14].Successful entrepreneurship is often linked to a variety of factors, including access to education and training, access to financial capital, and supportive social networks.Therefore, it has been suggested that policies aimed at supporting entrepreneurship should address these various factors, as well as provide targeted support to vulnerable populations.
About the role of social capital in promoting economic development, it can be said that strong social networks and relationships can lead to greater trust, cooperation, and collaboration, which in turn can promote economic growth and development [15].Communities with high levels of social capital tend to have more robust and resilient local economies, as well as stronger civic engagement and participation.
This theoretic frame highlights the importance of social micro-systems in economic development and attests that policies aimed at promoting economic growth and development should take into account the dynamics and interactions of these different social systems.In particular, policies that support and promote cooperative organizations, entrepreneurship, and social capital can play a key role in fostering economic development, particularly in communities with high levels of economic diversity and mobility.
The importance of entrepreneurship has also been mentioned as a driver of local economic development [16].A high level of entrepreneurial activity tends to have higher levels of economic growth and job creation.Our findings regarding the positive relationship between mobility and entrepreneurship support this assumption, as increased mobility may lead to more opportunities for entrepreneurial ventures.
About the importance of social capital in facilitating economic development, there is evidence that the consolidation of strong networks and trust between individuals, tend to produce higher levels of economic growth [17].This supports our findings regarding the importance of cooperativism as a micro-system that can facilitate economic development, as cooperatives often rely on strong social networks and trust between members.
Investing in infrastructure is also a factor that support economic development.Regions with better infrastructure, such as transportation networks and communication systems, tend to have higher levels of economic growth.The findings regarding the weaknesses of certain micro-systems, such as the deficient infrastructure in the entrepreneurial micro-system, highlight the need for investment in infrastructure to support economic in La Concordia.
Overall, the research about factors of development of countryside settlements supports our own results that a study of the complex dynamics of the micro systems previously discussed is crucial for understanding the potentialities and limitations of the region's economic development prospects.By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each micro-system, policymakers can develop targeted interventions to support economic development and promote a more sustainable and equitable future for young city.

Conclusion
Policies aimed at the economic-social development of the community, as well as the design and negotiation of future Development Plans and Territorial Planning of the municipality of La Concordia, require the inclusion of strategies that take into account the promotion of small and medium-sized entrepreneurs. in the primary and tertiary sectors, as well as the strengthening of mobility in the labor market, which allows and promotes the creation of new enterprises.Public Policies must support the potentialities described in each micro-system, as well as address the effects of the weaknesses that research identifies as associated with them.
In conclusion, this paper has argued that policies aimed at economic-social development and territorial planning in La Concordia must prioritize the promotion of small and medium-sized entrepreneurs in the primary and tertiary sectors, as well as the strengthening of labor market mobility, in order to create new enterprises and foster sustainable development in the community.
The research conducted has identified a number of potentialities and weaknesses associated with the micro-systems within the municipality, which must be taken into account when designing and negotiating future development plans.For example, the agricultural sector has great potential for growth and development, but it is also vulnerable to climate change and lacks access to credit and markets.Similarly, the tourism sector has great potential for job creation and economic growth, but it is also susceptible to external factors such as natural disasters and changes in global economic conditions.
Given these challenges and opportunities, public policies must be designed to support the potentialities and address the weaknesses of each micro-system, taking into account the specific needs and characteristics of each sector.This requires a coordinated effort between different stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector actors, civil society organizations, and academic institutions, among others.Some specific strategies that could be employed to promote entrepreneurship and strengthen labor market mobility include providing access to credit and financial services, promoting the development of value chains and clusters, improving transportation infrastructure, and investing in education and training programs that provide workers with the skills they need to compete in the modern economy.
In addition to supporting small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, public policies must also prioritize the creation of an enabling environment that facilitates innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship.This includes promoting a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, investing in research and development, and providing a regulatory framework that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, policies must be designed with a long-term perspective, taking into account the potential impact of development on the environment and natural resources.This requires a sustainable approach to development that balances economic growth with environmental protection, ensuring that future generations can also benefit from the resources and opportunities available in the municipality.
It's important to note that public policies cannot be designed and implemented in isolation.Rather, they must be informed by a deep understanding of the social, economic, and environmental dynamics of the community, as well as the needs and aspirations of its members.To achieve this, policies must be developed through a participatory and inclusive process that involves all stakeholders, including marginalized and vulnerable groups.
Overall, the success of policies aimed at economic-social development and territorial planning in La Concordia will depend on the ability of public institutions to work together to identify and promote the potentialities of each micro-system, while also addressing the challenges and weaknesses associated with them.By adopting a comprehensive and inclusive approach to development, the municipality can ensure that its economic growth is sustainable, equitable, and benefits all members of the community.

Table 2 .
Dynamic Dimension of Colonialism -Strengths and Weaknesses.