Abstract

CANTOR, Kelly-M. Urban Agriculture: Value Elements Related to its Sustainability. Cuad. Desarro. Rural [online]. 2010, vol.7, n.65, pp.59-84. ISSN 0122-1450.

Urban Agriculture : In the South of Bogotá and in Soacha, research has been developed on urban agriculture carried out by populations that have experienced forced displacement, in a context of scarce resources and social exclusion characterized by the limited coverage of basic utilities, by the violation of rights, and by the lack of opportunities for the residents. Such activity is also analyzed in relation to vulnerable populations living under the poverty line. The analysis has been performed from their livelihood perspective using 20 local actors and public and private institutions that carried out urban agriculture programs as information sources and taking into account that city agriculture has connotations different from agriculture's connotation in rural environments. It has been found out that urban agriculture, as livelihood and occupation alternative, has a symbolic value and has been framed in a concept of collective wellbeing that transcends money concerns. Urban agriculture reflects a peasant identity struggle for overcoming city life, but it is not an entirely sustainable activity. This article discusses some of the results from a research whose personal motivation was based on an institutional presence in urban agriculture processes in the study area for 4 years.

Keywords : urban agriculture; identity; sustainability; vulnerable population; displaced population; Urban Agricultura; Research; Vulnerable Populations; Displaced by the violence; Research - Soacha (Cundinamarca, Colombia).

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