A dinâmica da agricultura urbana em Ituiutaba (MG)

Abstract

The Brazilian urbanization process has increased considerably. It should be noted, even so, that this process has not extinguished agricultural activities in the urban environment. Urban agricultural has not only accommodated the fostering of local cultures, it also contributes to the food and nutritional betterment of the population. In the state of Minas Gerais in the Mesoregion of Triângulo Mineiro/Alto Paranaíba in the city of Ituiutaba, Brazil, the practice of urban agriculture is not entirely new. This activity has been developed for the maintenance of food supply and livelihood. This policy has been implemented in locations like backyards and empty lots. In this way, it has helped to create new jobs, new sources of income and sustainable production using organic materials together with the creation and maintenance of green areas and nurturing new urban-rural sociocultural bonds. In this way, the general purpose of the research is to understand the importance and dynamic agricultural sectors in the urban environment of Ituiutaba (MG). Permeating the specific purposes of analysing the importance and spatiality of urban agriculture in Ituiutaba it is important to check the regularization of vegetables gardens, verify the existence of agrobiodiversity in horticulture production, the use of water for irrigation and the environmental impacts generated, and map the spatialization of areas of urban agriculture practices in Ituiutaba for commercial purposes. It has used the observation method based on empirical work. The methodology was referred for a bibliographical review incorporating theoretical research, document analysis and fieldwork with qualitative and quantitative approaches. Graphs, tables, charts and maps were extrapolated from the database, which was provided from different public bodies, collected by searching for primary and secondary information. In all, twenty-one (21) urban vegetable gardens were mapped for the purpose of marketing the vegetables produced from these areas. Only two (02) were mapped with organic production characteristics. But, most of the foods produced are consistent with consumption of artificial inputs and pesticides. However, urban agriculture areas showed a diversity in horticulture production and contained thirty-six (36) species of different vegetables. Thirteen (13) vegetable gardens were also located that are irregularly arranged near or inside Permanent Preservation Areas (APP). This is one of the factors that shows the lack of regularization and inspection of urban gardens in the municipality. Facts like these, show the lack of a public policy which could support and encourage the practice of urban agriculture. In short, the urban agriculture policy of Ituiutaba is important for the practice and maintenance of the contrasting of rural and urban influences. It is considered that it is not just political-administrative factors that separate the rural area and the urban area. Also socioeconomic, cultural and environmental factors have to be considered.