Entre a cidade e o campo: a permanência da agricultura urbana em Chapecó/SC

Abstract

The city-countryside relationship is a complex one that, throughout many periods of history, has been marked by conflicts over power, but after the Industrial Revolution, the city began to play an active role in development, serving as the center of development modernity itself, while the countryside was positioned as a powerful mechanism to meet the needs of capitalism. Nevertheless, the relationship between them is more complex than described above. Thus, understanding the contemporary city-countryside relationship involves many paths that require prudence. In this context, the research focuses on the ruralities that exist within urban spaces, arising from the spatial practices resulting from this complex relationship between the countryside and the city. It necessitates a theoretical debate on the process of urbanization and city expansion within the Brazilian context, particularly in Chapecó, Santa Catarina. Along this line of thought, the discussions also address urban agriculture and the spatial practices of urban farmers, which are shaped by legacies, knowledge, and experiences that persist as production practices within urban spaces. To this end, the study seeks to analyze the production of urban space in Chapecó from the perspective of the countryside-city relationship, focusing on spatial practices and experiences tied to urban agriculture activities. The investigation was carried out through a bibliographical review, but also field research and observations, as well as interviews, and mapping of existing urban agriculture areas. From the development of this research, three different categories of urban agriculture were identified. The first category consists of agricultural areas dedicated to horticulture, which form a significant green belt in conjunction with urban spaces. The second category of urban agriculture includes vegetable gardens, plantations, and the raising of small animals on small land plots within the city. The third category corresponds to vegetable gardens associated with social projects, such as those in schools, health centers, NGOs, and other organizations. The spatial practices related to urban agriculture in Chapecó are diverse and establish strong connections with the city, making them unique in the reproduction of urban space