Yanapuma offers students the opportunity to carry out supervised research in a variety of fields. Students will receive in-country supervision in tandem with their institution’s academic advisor.

Specific current research opportunities are:

Health Surveys

Estero de Platano

In the region of Estero de Platano we are looking for experienced and highly motivated researchers to investigate the public health situation through using participatory research methodologies. The aim of the research is to have verifiable indicators and means of verification in order to monitor and evaluate future project development. This research will look into four components of public health to get a full picture of the situation on the ground. 

First it will focus on the types of diseases and illness that are affecting local community members, determinants of such diseases and possible solutions.

Second, it will address local health policy and systems especially concerning the availability of health services and treatments.

Third, it will investigate the environmental/health nexus by looking closely at the relationship between health practices and health knowledge as well as between the natural environment (water, agriculture, ecology) and health practices.

Lastly, it will give prominence to information about reproductive, maternal and child health as well as sexual health and mental health. This component will especially focus on infant mortality and morbidity as well as disability within the communities.

All research must be compared to regional, national and international standards. Sampling from other nearby villages will be important for comparison and verification of results. 

This research will be done concurrently with Yanapuma field/office staff, community action groups as well as the Ministry of Public Health in Atacames/ Esmeraldas (Nearby population/government centers).

Prior experience with health surveys, questionnaires and focus groups is a must. Also, experience with statistical analysis software such as SPSS or Epi Info is also important.

Nutritonal Survey

Yanapuma Foundation is looking for an experienced nutritionist or from a public health related field to conduct a comprehensive, participatory nutritional survey of the community of Estero de Plátano, Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador.

From preliminary investigative studies it has been found that there is a relatively high rate of under-nutrition due to what is thought to be an un-balanced diet, lacking in vegetables and fruits that could provide a higher level of vitamins and minerals.

For this we are looking for a qualified researcher with a master degree in nutrition studies, food science, international development or related field. Knowledge of nutritional policy, human nutrition, food safety and nutrition interventions in  the developing world are important. The research would include the use of focus groups, questionnaires and relevant statistical information from local government to acquire a clear picture of the nutritional situation on the ground for future project development.

This research would also include an overview of the nutritional services available for local beneficiaries from local medical centers and public health institutions. The position would include substantial time in the field with time also allocated to office work. At least 6 months would be preferable in order to allow time to get to know key informants, foundation staff, operational procedures and allow time to complete the writing up of the report.

Other Research Areas

1. Anthropology/Sociology
   • Yanapuma offers access to many of the 17 indigenous cultures of Ecuador, and can advise on relevant issues facing them today. 
2. Tourism Studies
   • Tourism is an important part of Ecuador’s economy, and is also important to developing communities. There are many community-based ecotourism projects in Ecuador, and opportunities to study tourism from a variety of perspectives, as well as to help specific communities in their development.
3. Global/Development Studies
   • As a country rich in biological and cultural diversity, Ecuador faces many challenges in terms of globalization and the effects of development on the social, cultural, and environmental fabric of the country
4. Environmental Studies
   • Ecuador is faced with the many environmental challenges of a developing nation, especially important to study in light of the immense biological diversity of the country. Some pressing issues are:

Biodiversity loss

Loss of water supplies through increased agriculture, deforestation, etc., that threatens many rural communities

Threat to Galapagos of tour boats that have no environmental standards

Lack of recycling and efficient waste management

Research fees:

In Quito:                                   Set-up fee of $75,

Outside Quito:                         Set-up fee of $175.00.

Payment for food and lodging in community $8.00 per day

Computer/internet fee:          free for students with their own laptops

$9.00  per week for computer, internet, and reasonable amounts of printing.

If you are interested in carrying out a research project through Yanapuma Foundation, please contact us using the form below.