Mapping and Assessing Urban Agriculture in São Paulo: Tackling Socio-Economic and Environmental Issues through Nature-Based Solutions

Luiza Vigne Bennedetti, Silvia Ronchi, Maurício Lamano Ferreira and Fabiano Lemes de Oliveira ()
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Luiza Vigne Bennedetti: Environmental Science Graduate Program, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Luciano Gualberto, 1289, São Paulo 04021-001, Brazil
Silvia Ronchi: Department of Architecture and Urban Studies, Politecnico di Milano, Via Edoardo Bonardi, 3, 20133 Milan, Italy
Maurício Lamano Ferreira: Department of Basic and Environmental Science, University of São Paulo, Estrada Municipal do Campinho, s/n, Pte. Nova, Lorena 12602-810, Brazil
Fabiano Lemes de Oliveira: Department of Architecture and Urban Studies, Politecnico di Milano, Via Edoardo Bonardi, 3, 20133 Milan, Italy

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 17, 1-22

Abstract: Inefficient urban transformations pose multifaceted challenges. In this context, urban agriculture (UA) can address environmental and socio-economic issues. Despite recent UA policies in São Paulo, the lack of data hampers comprehensive evaluations, highlighting the need for robust indicators to enhance environmental sustainability. This article assesses São Paulo’s UA potential using an Ecosystem Services (ES)-based approach, combining ES spatial mapping and a producer survey at 49 UA sites. Results show natural habitats and anthropic areas within urbanised land, especially in the south, with high habitat quality scores. Nine ES were identified: food supply, commercialisation, income generation, waste mediation, lifecycle maintenance, soil formation, leisure/social, well-being, and education. Utilising mixed methods, this study provides innovative insights into ES related to UA in São Paulo, offering valuable input for urban policies and planning.

Keywords: nature-based solutions; green infrastructure; urban food production; socio-environmental model (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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