Development of the National Guide for Urban Agriculture for Brazilian Municipalities (2022)

During the development of the Guide, mapped evidence demonstrated that urban and peri-urban agriculture can evolve through different pathways depending on a range of variables. Designed as a reference document, the Guide is organized into three main chapters covering the following topics: the benefits of urban and peri-urban agriculture in cities; a methodology for identifying different types of agriculture in urban areas; and instruments to scale up the agenda in municipalities. Since its launch, the Guide has positioned itself as a landmark reference for Brazilian public policies on urban agriculture and serves as a foundational document for the new National Urban Agriculture Program, launched by Decree No. 11,700 on September 12, 2023. Access the materials in the “Publications and Reports” section below.

Development of the Panorama of Municipal Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture Agendas (2023–2024)

Production of a national diagnosis based on 67 Brazilian cities that responded to the survey. In addition to producing an unprecedented report in Brazil identifying the state of the art of cities already supporting urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA), the study also proposes a maturity map of UPA in cities, considering the dimensions of institutionalization and the multiplication of initiatives (access here).

Conducting the Study “Cities and Their Agricultures” (2023–2024)

This study sought to identify and analyze the perceived benefits reported by actors involved in urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) activities across four territories: the Federal District, Manaus, Natal, and Osasco. Using a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative research—dedicated to identifying perceptions of benefits among different UPA practitioners—and quantitative research—focused on developing biophysical models of ecosystem services in the municipalities studied—the study connects local voices with analyses at scales relevant to municipal governance, including a climate change perspective. The findings reveal that a wide diversity of benefits is perceived by farmers across the selected territories and typologies.

Communication and Advocacy for the Agenda in Brazilian Cities (2022–2024)

In an effort to better understand public policy contexts and civil society experiences related to UPA, as well as to disseminate the research developed under the initiative, municipal outreach visits were conducted to Maringá (2022), Natal (2022), Fortaleza (2023), Salvador (2023), Manaus (2023), and Brasília (2023).

Training with Political Leaders in Urban Agriculture in Natal and the Metropolitan Region (2023)

Strengthening capacities for the development of municipal UPA agendas, as well as developing pilot applications of the assessment tools proposed by the Guide launched in 2022.

Interministerial Training with Federal Government Managers (2024)

Involving seven different federal ministries, the training took place during May and June 2024 and aimed to strengthen the cross-sectoral integration of urban agriculture within public policies through an environment of exchange and collaboration, where the National Urban Agriculture Program can be further strengthened.

Development of the “Agriculture in Cities” Platform

Aimed at strengthening communication of the project’s results and disseminating the initiative’s research. Click here to access the platform.

Cities and Their Agricultures: Assessing the Benefits of Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture for People

The case studies on urban and peri-urban agriculture conducted in Manaus, the Federal District, Osasco, and Natal sought to identify and characterize the benefits that urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA) initiatives provide to local territories, while also offering an overview of three ecosystem services in these municipalities related to microclimate, soil, and water. Through a hybrid methodology combining biophysical modeling of ecosystem services with attentive listening to the leading voices behind these experiences, it was possible to identify and characterize the significant potential contribution of UPA to urban development. By deepening the understanding of the benefits that urban agriculture can provide to cities, the study highlights not only the challenges it faces, but also its potential to mitigate or solve problems that are typically urban in nature.