Alimentos, áreas verdes e cidades saudáveis: a presença da agricultura urbana em Montes Claros/MG

Abstract

The process of food production and animal husbandry in cities is closely related to the origins of urban farmers/producers. These origins are not always straightforward; they may have had parents residing in rural areas and with the move to the city they begin to find in urban production a social, cultural, economic and environmental refuge. The population of Montes Claros / MG is varied, migrants from municipalities in the North of Minas and the interior of Bahia, are inhabitants of the city. This diversity is closely related to the different crops and creations that take place in approximately 170 neighborhoods; contributions to a contemporary Montes Claros closer to a sustainable city. In this context, the objective of the research was to map areas with chemical and physical potential for food production in Montes Claros; as well as identifying experiences of crops distributed throughout the city. The specific objectives presented a theoretical debate on the theme of urban agriculture; mapped experiences of urban agriculture, as well as understanding them environmentally, socially, culturally, and economically in the contemporary context of the city of Montes Claros; identified urban areas/voids with the possibility of implementing Urban Agriculture. The methodology used consisted of using quali-quantitative processes; using theoretical and bibliographical analysis, documentary research and also the search for field information with the application of questionnaires, soil analysis and removal of photographic images of crops and animal husbandry; the data were presented in the version of graphs, tables, charts and maps. Through the mapping, the research revealed that urban agriculture is carried out in the city with the cultivation of various foods and the creation of small and large animals that are helping families to generate income. When analyzing the 14 soil samples, it was found that they are suitable for growing vegetables, requiring only occasional corrections in some areas. Having as reference the thoughts of Fred Carvalho Bezerra; José Vicente Caixeta Filho; Renato Boareto; Júlia Marques Fernandes, among others.