Mapping of community urban gardens in the municipality of São Paulo, SP

an analysis from the perspective of Nexo and food (in)security

Abstract

Objective – Mapping community urban gardens in the city of São Paulo, focusing on areas of social vulnerability and Special Zones of Social Interest (ZEIS), and analyze them from the perspective of the integrated approach of the water-energy-food nexus and its relationship with food and nutritional (in)security.

Methodology – This is a case study in the city of São Paulo. The methodology consisted of spatial mapping of community gardens and ZEIS using QGIS software (version 3.40.4), based on secondary data from the GeoSampa and Sampa+Rural platforms. The maps were analyzed interpretatively and critically, in conjunction with a literature review on food security and the Nexo approach.

Originality/Relevance – This study addresses the theoretical gap in the application of the Water-Energy-Food Nexus Approach to urban agriculture in peripheral areas. Its originality lies in investigating whether community gardens, located in areas of high social vulnerability, can be analyzed as an integrated strategy for optimizing resources and addressing food insecurity, a topic of academic and social relevance for sustainable urban planning.

Results – The mapping identified 152 urban gardens in public spaces, of which 114 were classified as community gardens. These gardens are predominantly distributed in peripheral regions (South, East, and North Urban Zones), coinciding with favela and ZEIS areas, i.e., areas with greater socio-environmental vulnerability and food insecurity. The analysis concludes that, despite their good geographic distribution, it is assumed that the productive volume of these gardens is insufficient to significantly impact access to fresh food in these communities.

Theoretical/Methodological Contributions – The study contributes theoretically by highlighting the relevance of urban agriculture as a potentially efficient system integrated into urban dynamics. Methodologically, it demonstrates the usefulness of geoprocessing tools (QGIS) and spatial data overlay for diagnosing and planning public policies for food security and urban planning.

Social and Environmental Contributions – Urban community gardens, especially in public spaces, have the potential to promote food security, environmental education, grassroots organizing, and social inclusion in vulnerable areas. Furthermore, urban agriculture is recognized for its environmental benefits, such as urban drainage and heat island reduction. The study suggests that strengthening these gardens with more resources can shorten food distribution chains, reduce negative externalities (such as transportation costs and emissions), and increase their positive impacts on urban quality of life.