Commercial urban agriculture for sustainable cities.

Food production in cities has great potential to increase food security and contribute to the achievement of sustainable development objectives. Urban agriculture initiatives correspond to one of the main strategies adopted by different countries, aiming at combating urban poverty and improving the well-being of the population. This study aims to know the commercial urban agriculture of Porto Alegre in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil and its implications for the future of the sustainable development of the city. From interviews with farmers, it was discovered that urban agriculture in Porto Alegre contributes to development to sustainable cities. From an economic point of view, urban agriculture contributes to income generation, savings, capital expenditures and tax revenues. Their social roles include education, food security, human health, civic engagement, social equity, and gender equality. In relation to environmental functions it contributes to waste management, energy efficiency and reduction of pollutant emissions. The results of the study suggest the need for incentives to entrepreneurship, projects and incentives policies to innovation and technology, also a broad analysis to discover how to implement these lines of action, as well as other community action strategies. • The urban agriculture in manifests itself in economic, social and environmental terms • Supporting the supply of local food and its potential added value • Discussion relevant to the practice of urban planning • Formulation of policies for actions to support local actors and institutions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]