Mapping UAH: Farmers’ Narratives
In the INSUAH project, each team identifies cultural practices and traditional knowledge related to urban agriculture. As part of the Brazilian team, we believe that the life stories of those who cultivate food demonstrate how these practices have resisted labor exploitation and environ degradation. Sharing these stories is a way to fight forgetfulness, and this booklet serves precisely that purpose. We are mapping strengths and threats to urban agriculture, to advocate for policies that protect this valuable activity.
This booklet seeks to honor eight small farmers from São Paulo’s southern region, an area with a long agricultural history that remains largely overlooked by the broader population. Therefore, we present their voices, in their own words allowing each farmer to share their experiences and insights on how to secure urban agriculture in the city.
Parelheiros, the main district in São Paulo’s southern zone, is known for its protected areas rich in Atlantic Forest remnants and vital watersheds. It has historically been a hub for family-based farming, shaped by a diverse mix of cultural backgrounds, including Indigenous communities, Japanese descendants, and migrants from Brazil’s hinterlands. Today, most plots range from 0.5 to 5 hectares, and nearly half are organic or natural. This small-scale agriculture is the backbone of the region’s cultural and ecological identity. Despite its importance, Parelheiros faces challenges such as illegal deforestation, social inequality, and the undervaluation of family-based agriculture. These issues are often reflected in low incomes for farmers and threaten the continuation of traditional practices. It is precisely because of these challenges, combined with the rich cultural diversity of the farmers, that we have chosen to focus on this group and region.
The stories in this booklet highlight the resilience and dedication to farming and offer insights into the needed strategies to preserve agriculture in a rapidly urbanizing environment. They reflect a deep, intergenerational connection to the land, as well as the innovative approaches of newcomers and returnees who are renewing and adapting traditional techniques. By amplifying their voices, we aim to honor their efforts and shed light on their invaluable contributions to São Paulo’s agricultural history.
