Autonomy in the financial management of the Pastaza Canton.

Abstract

The financial autonomy of Decentralized Autonomous Governments (GAD) is based on their ability to generate and manage their own resources, which is essential to guarantee their economic sustainability and operational independence. In the case of the municipal GAD of Pastaza, an analysis carried out between 2020 and 2022 revealed that only 23% of its income comes from its own sources, while 77% depends on transfers from the Central Government and external financing. This study, developed with a mixed approach and descriptive longitudinal design, highlighted the significant financial dependence of the GAD. The results underline the urgent need to design and implement strategies that strengthen the generation of its own income, ensuring greater autonomy and economic stability in the long term.