Silvana Maria Ribeiro

Agroecological urban agriculture from the perspective of health promotion

Abstract Urban agriculture has been the subject of many rese -arches in Brazil and worldwide, mainly with regard to the generation of work and income. This article aims to systematize the experience of the project Gathering sustainability, community practices on food security and urban agriculture, held in Embu das Artes, metropolitan region of Sao Paulo/Brazil, during 2008 through 2011, analyzing it from the perspective of Health Promotion. Research subjects were participant citizens, technicians of public ser -vices where the project was heald and technical team members of the project. Data were obtained through three systematization workshops, followed by ano-ther one when the results from the previous three were presented to the participants, and through an interview with a key informant. They were analyzed in the light of Health Promotion’s principles and fiel -ds of action. Findings revealed that ecological urban agriculture is a health promotion tool: it contributes to individual and community leadership strengthe -ning and their empowerment; it creates supportive environments. It also has potential for “knowledge” multiplication by those involved in subjects related to health, environment and income generation. Keywords: Health Promotion; Food and Nutritional Security; Urban Agriculture; Agroecology.

The impact of urban gardens on adequate and healthy food: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE To examine the impacts on food and nutrition-related outcomes resulting from participation in urban gardens, especially on healthy food practices, healthy food access, and healthy food beliefs, knowledge and attitudes. DESIGN The systematic review identified studies by searching the PubMed, ERIC, LILACS, Web of Science and Embase databases. An assessment of quality and bias risk of the studies was carried out and a narrative summary was produced. SETTING Studies published as original articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals in English, Spanish or Portuguese between 2005 and 2015 were included. SUBJECTS The studies included were based on data from adult participants in urban gardens. RESULTS Twenty-four studies were initially selected based on the eligibility criteria, twelve of which were included. There was important heterogeneity of settings, population and assessment methods. Assessment of quality and bias risk of the studies revealed the need for greater methodological rigour. Most studies investigated community gardens and employed a qualitative approach. The following were reported: greater fruit and vegetable consumption, better access to healthy foods, greater valuing of cooking, harvest sharing with family and friends, enhanced importance of organic production, and valuing of adequate and healthy food. CONCLUSIONS Thematic patterns related to adequate and healthy food associated with participation in urban gardens were identified, revealing a positive impact on practices of adequate and healthy food and mainly on food perceptions.

Agricultura Urbana Agroecológica en la Perspectiva de la Promoción de la Salud

Abstract Urban agriculture has been the subject of many rese -arches in Brazil and worldwide, mainly with regard to the generation of work and income. This article aims to systematize the experience of the project Gathering sustainability, community practices on food security and urban agriculture, held in Embu das Artes, metropolitan region of Sao Paulo/Brazil, during 2008 through 2011, analyzing it from the perspective of Health Promotion. Research subjects were participant citizens, technicians of public ser -vices where the project was heald and technical team members of the project. Data were obtained through three systematization workshops, followed by ano-ther one when the results from the previous three were presented to the participants, and through an interview with a key informant. They were analyzed in the light of Health Promotion’s principles and fiel -ds of action. Findings revealed that ecological urban agriculture is a health promotion tool: it contributes to individual and community leadership strengthe -ning and their empowerment; it creates supportive environments. It also has potential for “knowledge” multiplication by those involved in subjects related to health, environment and income generation. Keywords: Health Promotion; Food and Nutritional Security; Urban Agriculture; Agroecology.

Agricultura urbana agroecológica na perspectiva da promoção da saúde

Abstract Urban agriculture has been the subject of many rese -arches in Brazil and worldwide, mainly with regard to the generation of work and income. This article aims to systematize the experience of the project Gathering sustainability, community practices on food security and urban agriculture, held in Embu das Artes, metropolitan region of Sao Paulo/Brazil, during 2008 through 2011, analyzing it from the perspective of Health Promotion. Research subjects were participant citizens, technicians of public ser -vices where the project was heald and technical team members of the project. Data were obtained through three systematization workshops, followed by ano-ther one when the results from the previous three were presented to the participants, and through an interview with a key informant. They were analyzed in the light of Health Promotion’s principles and fiel -ds of action. Findings revealed that ecological urban agriculture is a health promotion tool: it contributes to individual and community leadership strengthe -ning and their empowerment; it creates supportive environments. It also has potential for “knowledge” multiplication by those involved in subjects related to health, environment and income generation. Keywords: Health Promotion; Food and Nutritional Security; Urban Agriculture; Agroecology.

Agricultura urbana agroecológica - estratégia de promoção da saúde e segurança alimentar e nutricional - doi: 10.5020/18061230.2012.p381

Objective: To raise considerations about the agroecological urban agriculture, in articulation with movements for promotion of health and food and nutrition security, with participation of local communities. Data synthesis: Documental research carried out through the reading and analysis of report, field activities’ records, participants’ testimonies and interview performed with the project coordinator. The contribution of agroecological urban agriculture was perceivable in regard to the community protagonism, popular participation, and the rising of feeding and environmental awareness among social actors. Conclusion: Relevant aspects in consonance with the principles and fields of action of Health Promotion were identified, especially the strengthening of intersetorial actions, the local community empowerment, individual and collective protagonism, creation of health-friendly environments and community mobilization.