Abstract
This paper presents a dramatic example of how agroecology has been used to restore chronically degraded land, create productive public space, and foster inclusive socio-economic activity inside the densely populated Manguinhos favela of Rio de Janeiro. It demonstrates how fragile, informal contexts can benefit from creating green infrastructure that is anchored to community involvement and practical action. It gives an overview of the processes involved in building such a project; observes its challenges and benefits; and in closing, outlines considerations for engaging organic agriculture to shape sustainable socio-economic activity in informal urban contexts.
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Notes
- 1.
Rio de Janeiro has a per capita GDP of $ 9723.47 (2008), 57.1 % higher than the country average, and representing 5.1 % of Brazil’s GDP overall.
- 2.
Some of the addicts were forcibly taken to a mental health facility and released a few days later to congregate further along the highway.
- 3.
This means that negotiations of any project must simultaneously satisfy dual governing bodies in order to progress. This is a role often undertaken by local Residents’ Associations.
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Rekow, L. (2017). Urban Agriculture in the Manguinhos Favela of Rio de Janeiro: Laying the Groundwork for a Greener Future. In: Leal Filho, W., Pociovalisteanu, DM., Al-Amin, A. (eds) Sustainable Economic Development. World Sustainability Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-45081-0_10
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