Critical and strategic analysis of the development and land use plan (PDOT) 2019–2023 for Quevedo canton

Abstract

This article examines the strategic territorial planning process implemented in the Quevedo canton through the Development and Land Use Plan corresponding to the 2019–2023 period. The research aims to evaluate the alignment between the plan’s technical content, the real conditions of the territory, and citizens’ perceptions of its implementation. A qualitative-documentary approach was applied, complemented by a survey conducted among local actors. The analysis revealed that, although the plan presents a coherent normative structure and a well-defined strategic proposal, it faces significant implementation challenges, such as the absence of effective monitoring mechanisms, limited community participation, and low visibility of results in rural and peripheral areas. Citizen responses reflect a limited understanding of the plan and a critical view of its actual impact. It is concluded that the PDOT requires a substantial revision to become a more effective tool for territorial development management, with greater social inclusion, operational capacity, and alignment with local demands.