Paradigm Shifts in Andean Agriculture: Reimagining Human–Nature Relationships Through Associated Cropping Systems in Imantag, Ecuador

Shifting climatic conditions challenge simplified, yield-oriented agriculture, particularly in fragile mountain regions. In the Ecuadorian Andes, agriculture functions as a socio-ecological system shaped by biocultural relationships integrating production, agrobiodiversity, and farmer decision-making. This study examines how climate variability interacts with crop phenology and management practices within ancestral associated cropping systems (chakras). The analysis focuses on maize, common bean, faba bean, and potato during the 2024–2025 agricultural cycle in Imantag, Ecuador. A total of 30 native, introduced, and improved varieties were sown in traditional rows (wachos) and monitored within a single 420.8 m² Andean chakra. Using multiple ordinary least squares (OLS) regression (n = 30; R² = 0.440, adj. R² = 0.351, F (4,25) = 4.914, p = 0.005), results show that maize significantly outperformed the faba bean reference group (β = 20.34, p = 0.017), while common bean showed intermediate performance (β = 15.31, p = 0.048). Seed mass at planting was positively associated with relative yield (β = 6.71, p = 0.069), highlighting early-stage management decisions. Elevated maximum temperatures during maturation negatively affected yield (r = −0.42, p = 0.020), while accumulated precipitation had a positive effect (r = +0.45, p = 0.014). Model quality criteria, including VIF diagnostics (max. VIF = 3.37), Shapiro–Wilk residual normality test (W = 0.983, p = 0.896), and cross-validation using Ridge and Lasso regression, confirm the robustness of the statistical findings. These findings demonstrate that chakras function as adaptive socioecological systems that enhance productivity, agrobiodiversity conservation, and resilience under climate variability.