Azuay Region: Pisos Dignos (Dignified Houses)

The "Improvements in Rural Housing of Azuay Province – Pisos Dignos" project was a public policy initiative aimed at improving housing conditions, led by the Autonomous Decentralized Government of Azuay, to reduce the qualitative housing deficit in rural areas by replacing dirt floors, with a focus on active community participation.

The practice was developed in an Andean region with high rural dispersion and poor living conditions that affect health and quality of life. In response to this issue related to poverty and childhood malnutrition, the project was institutionalized through a provincial ordinance, becoming a permanent policy with social prioritization criteria and citizen participation.

The implementation begins with the identification of households in poverty and extreme poverty, according to the Social Registry, and the verification of legal land ownership. Technical visits and socialization processes activate local organizations. Execution takes place through community workgroups, where the Provincial Government of Azuay provides materials and technical support, while families participate in construction.

The process is complemented with training in proper housing use and health, supported by the "My Healthy Home" materials. It includes evaluation and social control mechanisms such as community supervision, delivery-reception records, and technical reports. As a result, Pisos Dignos has improved the living conditions of vulnerable households and established a replicable participatory model in rural public policy in Azuay.

More information: https://www.azuay.gob.ec/

https://www.oidp.net/docs/repo/doc1852.pdf