Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, bank financing directed towards the agricultural and livestock sector in Ecuador has experienced significant changes. Although there has been a notable increase in financing, details regarding the current scope and conditions of these specialized loans are not available. The volatility and dependence on external factors in the agricultural sector pose a challenge when obtaining loans. Portfolio delinquency is the most important indicator in the management of credit institutions. Our study conducted at BanEcuador B.P (Guaranda - Ecuador) adopts a mixed approach, and the information was obtained from institutional sources and validated surveys. The data reveals an increase in delinquency rates, with a percentage that rose from 0.79% at the end of 2018 to 11.40% in April 2023. Additionally, there are irregular spikes in placement amounts. It is concluded that credit conditions and various internal and external factors significantly contribute to the increase in delinquency rates in the microfinance area of BanEcuador B.P. in the Bolívar province.