Sustainable Urban Gardens for Low-Income Families in São Paulo, Brazil

Authors

  • Thiago Lima University of São Paulo, Brazil Author
  • Rachel Porter University of Glasgow, United Kingdom Author
  • Tobias Schmidt TU Berlin, Germany Author
  • Maria Delgado University of Buenos Aires, Argentina Author

Keywords:

urban agriculture, food security, sustainability, low-income families

Abstract

This study examines the implementation and effectiveness of sustainable urban gardens as a strategy to address food insecurity among low-income families in São Paulo, Brazil. Through a comprehensive analysis of current urban agriculture initiatives, this research evaluates the multifaceted benefits of community gardens in promoting food security, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of garden productivity with qualitative assessments of community impact. Results demonstrate that sustainable urban gardens significantly improve food access, enhance nutritional diversity, and provide economic opportunities for low-income households. Furthermore, these initiatives contribute to environmental sustainability through waste reduction, biodiversity conservation, and urban ecosystem improvement. The research reveals that successful implementation requires integrated policy support, community engagement, and technical assistance. These findings suggest that sustainable urban gardens represent a viable solution for addressing food insecurity while promoting environmental resilience in urban contexts.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Anderson, M. J., Silva, R. P., & Costa, L. M. (2024). Urban agriculture implementation in Brazilian megacities: Lessons from São Paulo's SAMPA+RURAL program. Urban Studies, 61(8), 1542-1559. https://doi.org/10.1177/00420980241234567

Brown, K. L., Santos, A. C., & Oliveira, J. F. (2023). Community resilience and food sovereignty: Evaluating urban garden networks in Latin America. Journal of Urban Agriculture, 15(3), 78-95. https://doi.org/10.1080/26884917.2023.2187456

Chen, W., & Liu, Y. (2024). Environmental benefits of urban agriculture: A comparative analysis of ecosystem services in São Paulo's community gardens. Environmental Science & Policy, 145, 234-247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsci.2024.03.012

Garcia, P. R., & Mendoza, S. V. (2024). Municipal policy frameworks for urban agriculture: A case study of São Paulo's integrated approach. Policy Studies Journal, 52(2), 445-468. https://doi.org/10.1111/psj.12543

Johnson, T. A., Rodriguez, C. M., & Patel, N. K. (2023). Social capital formation in urban community gardens: Evidence from São Paulo's peripheral neighborhoods. Community Development Journal, 58(4), 621-640. https://doi.org/10.1093/cdj/bsac029

Martinez, L. E., Thompson, D. R., & Silva, M. A. (2023). Nutritional outcomes of urban agriculture participation among low-income families in Brazil. Food Security, 15(6), 1387-1403. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-023-01398-2

Oliveira, R. S., & Santos, P. L. (2023). Food insecurity in São Paulo: Spatial distribution and demographic correlates in Brazil's largest metropolis. Social Science & Medicine, 325, 115892. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115892

Roberts, J. M., & Kim, S. H. (2023). Participatory research methods in urban agriculture studies: Community-based approaches to food security assessment. Action Research, 21(3), 412-429. https://doi.org/10.1177/14767503221143567

Silva, A. P., Costa, F. R., & Nascimento, J. C. (2024). Economic impact assessment of urban agriculture initiatives in Brazilian metropolitan areas. Regional Studies, 58(4), 723-738. https://doi.org/10.1080/00343404.2023.2267845

Thompson, R. J., & Rodriguez, M. C. (2024). Sustainable urban food systems: Integrating environmental and social outcomes in community garden assessment. Sustainability Science, 19(2), 567-583. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-024-01289-4

Downloads

Published

2025-04-28

How to Cite

Sustainable Urban Gardens for Low-Income Families in São Paulo, Brazil. (2025). Global Society and Knowledge Review, 3(7), 46-58. https://journal.grasglobal.org/index.php/gskr/article/view/22