Cities present many opportunities to improve socio-ecological sustainability through efficiencies of scale and access to resources and services. These benefits are often compromised by rapidly increasing urban populations demanding energy, water, resources and food that are sourced, produced and transported from rural areas in unsustainable ways. A systems level approach to understanding the complex challenges cities face is required to strategically plan for the future. Rooftop agriculture is one measure that can help address many sustainability problems cities are currently faced with. Our research aims to identify the role rooftop agriculture can play in moving society towards sustainability, the challenges it currently faces that may prevent it from being widely implemented, and how to overcome these challenges. To structure our research, we used the Framework for Strategic Sustainable Development (FSSD), a scientifically rigorous and peer reviewed model designed to manage the complexity of planning and decision-making towards sustainability. The culmination of this paper was the creation of a Sustainable Rooftop Agriculture Guide, a practical resource that can help city stakeholders determine how to best use rooftop agriculture in their movement towards sustainability.

Aux États-Unis, les villes connaissent une crise urbaine qui se manifeste par l’existence de quartiers centraux détériorés, concentrant les minorités pauvres. Les quartiers de Jefferson-Mack (Detroit) et Hunts Point (South Bronx, New York) en sont des archétypes. Ils sont pourtant animés par d’importantes mobilisations civiques, se focalisant sur des questions environnementales et alimentaires. Le but de ce travail est d’évaluer le potentiel d’initiatives environnementales et alimentaires à améliorer les conditions de vie des habitants des inner cities. La première partie, en mobilisant un corpus d’études urbaines, présente ces quartiers comme les produits d’une crise urbaine structurelle. Nous mettons en évidence que les habitants y subissent une « crise urbaine de l’habiter », dans laquelle les nuisances, les pollutions et le manque d’accessibilité aux ressources environnementales et alimentaires, sont déterminants pour comprendre l’essor des mobilisations. La deuxième partie explique le rôle des mobilisations civiques environnementales et alimentaires dans ces quartiers. En nous appuyant sur les corpus de la justice environnementale et alimentaire, nous démontrons que l’hybridation des questions environnementales, alimentaires, sociales et spatiales a reconfiguré l’action collective. La troisième partie analyse les enjeux de la réappropriation du territoire, à partir du corpus des commons studies. À travers le cas de l’agriculture urbaine et d’autres pratiques établies sur des espaces vacants, nous montrons que la réappropriationdu territoire procure de multiples bénéfices. Loin d’être cantonnée aux domaines environnementaux et alimentaires, elle permet d’améliorer partiellement – mais non sans heurts – les conditions de l’habiter. / American cities are still affected by the urban crisis, patent through the existence of low-income inner city neighborhoods, concentrating the urban poor and ethnic minorities. The neighborhoods of Jefferson-Mack (Detroit) and Hunts Point (South Bronx, New York) are both considered icons of the urban crisis. Yet they witness substantial environmental and food justice activism. The purpose of this thesis is to understand how grassroots environmental and food practices can be used to improve living conditions for inner city communities. The first section analyzes how these two blighted neighborhoods are products of a structural urban crisis. By using a corpus of urban studies on urban decline, we demonstrate how the daily lives of residents reveal a “crisis of urban living” in which noxious uses and pollution as well as limited environmental and food access are key factors triggering grassroots activism. The second section is grounded in a corpus of studies on environmental and food justice, in order to explore the role of environmental and food justice activism in these neighborhoods. We defend that the hybridity between environmental, food, social and spatial issues reconfigured grassroots activism. The third section mobilizes a corpus of commons studies to analyze the challenges of reclaiming urban space. By studying the rise of urban agriculture and other environmental amenities occurring on vacant land, we explore the multiple benefits of community urban space reclamation. Beyond environmental and food benefits, and despitesome conflicting issues, reclaiming urban space allows transformative processes to noticeably yet incompletely improve living conditions.

Sustainable agriculture is explained by Reddy (1995: 22) as the ability for agricultural projects to produce crops and at the same time be able to maintain production without failing. With growing populations in urban areas, the importance of urban agriculture has become increasingly important. This research aims to study the factors that contribute to the success and failure of selected urban agricultural projects within the Nelson Mandela Bay by looking at how the community benefits from two selected community projects. It is however important to note that there are various factors contributing to the success and failure of any project. This research looks into the viability of the environment that the projects are in, the level of community membership, ownership structures, how messages are communicated between stakeholders, and the purpose of the project as well as the resources available to see the project through. Urban agriculture becomes a very important practice to the urban poor, as it subsidizes household income when the produce is sold and reduces expenditure when it is consumed (Kirkland, 2008: 23). Zooming into the Nelson Mandela Bay, it is evident that this practice is also beneficial for the communities in which the projects operate, however, challenges such as theft make such projects dependent on funders and donors.

A high perceniage of vacani space within downtown Vancouver is composed of inaccessible rooftops that, through green roof implementation, are capable of sustaining a network of accessible open space that supports urban food production. With an increasing local interest in urban agriculture, an organic rooftop food production technology is due to emerge on the marketplace. This study explores the development of urban agriculture within downtown Vancouver as a potential incentive for green roof implementation. Through an analysis of current research and a related case study, a design for an organic herb garden was developed for an existing green roof above a specialty-foods grocery store in downtown Vancouver. This model allows the green roof to support the growing and selling of organic food on-site, bringing the celebration of food production to the public realm, while strengthening the connection between the green roof, its' built form and the surrounding community. The design integrates a highly-productive organic herb garden with social areas for on-site residents and employees. Using developed indicators for sustainability, a final comparative analysis of the proposed design against the related case study and existing site was completed. This study informs new directions for the social function of the green roof, while recognizing how policy and regulations for future urban development can support the advancement of urban agriculture. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA), School of / Graduate

No description available.

Prendre part à un jardin communautaire ou collectif (JCC) est associé entre autres à une consommation accrue de fruits et légumes (FL) dans la littérature. Avec la popularité croissante des JCC dans les pays développés, l’impact des JCC sur les iniquités de santé demeure méconnu. Cette étude analyse 1) la répartition des JCC à Montréal en fonction de certaines caractéristiques sociodémographiques des voisinages et 2) l’association entre la proximité résidentielle d’un JCC et la consommation quotidienne de FL chez les adultes. Le nombre moyen de JCC dans les voisinages de Montréal a été comparé selon la densité populationnelle, la proportion de ménages locataires, la proportion d’immigrants et les proportions de personnes à faible revenu ou sans diplôme d’études secondaires. Une régression logistique multivariée a été effectuée pour évaluer l’association entre la proximité résidentielle d’un JCC (présente si jardin à ≤ 500 m de la résidence) et la consommation quotidienne de FL (suffisante étant ≥5 fois/jour). Les analyses ont été répétées avec une proximité à 300 m et à 1 000 m. Les analyses comparatives ont révélé un nombre significativement plus élevé de JCC dans les voisinages plus denses, avec plus de locataires et avec plus de personnes à faible revenu ou sans diplôme d'études secondaires. La proximité résidentielle à un JCC s’avère non associée à la fréquence de consommation de FL chez les adultes. La répartition actuelle des JCC à Montréal favorise un accès accru dans les quartiers plus défavorisés et présente un potentiel pour réduire les iniquités de santé. Dans notre étude, vivre près d’un jardin ne serait pas associé à une consommation plus importante de FL. Des études supplémentaires sont nécessaires pour évaluer d'autres dimensions de l'accès et de l’impact sur les iniquités de santé. / Taking part in community/collective gardening has been linked to greater fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption. However, little is known regarding their impact on social health inequalities. This study aims to examine 1) the distribution of community/collective gardens in Montreal and 2) the association between residential proximity to a community garden and daily FV consumption among adults. First, the mean number of gardens within a neighbourhood was compared as a function of neighbourhood-level socio-demographic indicators. Second, a multivariable logistic regression was performed to evaluate the relationship between FV consumption and the presence of a community/collective garden. FV consumption of individuals was classified as sufficient (≥ 5 times/day) or insufficient (< 5). Presence of a community/collective garden was dichotomized as being present (≤ 500 m from residence) or absent (> 500 m). Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the impact of modifying the cut-point using 300 m and 1000 m. Comparative analyses revealed significantly more gardens in neighbourhoods with higher population densities, higher tenancy rates, and higher proportions of people living under the low-income threshold or without a high-school diploma. There was no trend according to immigrant proportions. Our regression results showed no association between residential proximity and the frequency of FV consumption among adults. The current distribution of community/collective gardens in Montreal favours increased access in more disadvantaged neighbourhoods and shows potential to reduce health inequities. Living close to a garden doesn’t seem to be associated with the FV consumption pattern. Additional studies are needed to assess other important dimensions of access and the impact on health inequities.

Dans le cadre de ma thèse, je m’intéresse à Bioma, un collectif engagé dans des pratiques alternatives s’inscrivant dans une stratégie de « transition socio-écologique ». C’est là un collectif qui s’inscrit pleinement dans le mouvement environnemental mais qui en redéfinit en partie les revendications et les perspectives sans s’engager directement dans des actions contestataires. L’objectif de ma thèse est d’analyser précisément comment ces pratiques alternatives se construisent et s’articulent à d’autres actions collectives afin de comprendre de quelle(s) manière(s) l’alternatif participe à un type de changement social. Le modèle porté par l’alternatif, est un modèle de transition – qui se démarque ainsi des perspectives réformatrices et révolutionnaires de changement social. Cependant, le thème de la transition reste largement débattu, notamment concernant son contenu, sa forme, ses objectifs et sa potentielle radicalité. En étudiant précisément les tensions, contraintes et ambivalences qui sont vécues par Bioma, je reconstruis à la fois ce que peuvent être des pratiques alternatives, dans leur matérialité empirique, mais aussi la manière dont elles s’inscrivent dans un modèle spécifique de changement social par transition. L’alternatif est un type d’action qui, bien que s’inscrivant principalement dans un mouvement social – ici le mouvement environnemental –, soutient, participe et s’articule fortement à d’autres mouvements sociaux. En ce sens, il ne faut pas comprendre les stratégies et modèles de changements sociaux de manière exclusive : bien qu’inscrit avant tout dans une perspective de transition, l’alternatif participe ici en même temps à des stratégies plus contestataires d’un côté et à certaines stratégies institutionnelles de l’autre. Dans l’ordre de l’alternatif lui-même, les membres de Bioma expérimentent et préfigurent des pratiques matérielles et relationnelles qui visent à transformer les subjectivités des individus. Ces pratiques internes se déploient et sont projetées dans les relations dans lesquelles le collectif s’engage et participent ainsi à une diversification des modes – possibles comme réels – d’existence et d’engagement. Ces pratiques alternatives prennent place et construisent des espaces particuliers qui participent à une lutte d’occupation de l’espace. Finalement, la transition que Bioma propose est de type « ontologique »~: il s’agit de construire un « monde », différent bien qu’imbriqué dans le monde dominant. L’ensemble de ma thèse montre la manière dont ce monde, imparfait et toujours incomplet, est construit, expérimenté et engendre en même temps nombre de tensions et d’ambivalences que les membres de Bioma vivent au quotidien. Ma thèse s’appuie sur un terrain ethnographique de trois ans avec Bioma, un collectif engagé dans l’agriculture urbaine et la permaculture. Lors de ces trois années, je me suis engagé dans le collectif et j’ai participé à l’ensemble des activités et pratiques du groupe, j’ai effectué des entretiens, mené des conversations informelles et récolté et analysé l’ensemble des documents présents et produits par Bioma. C’est en tant que chercheur engagé que j’ai mené cette recherche. / In my thesis, I investigate Bioma, a self-managed collective involved in alternative practices that are part of a "socio-ecological transition" strategy within the environmental movement. Without engaging directly in contentious actions, Bioma contributes to a redefinition of the environmental movement's demands and perspectives. The aim of my thesis is to analyze precisely the ways alternative practices are constructed and articulated with other collective actions. This allows me to better understand how alternative initiatives can participate in a certain type of social change. Alternative practices carry a model of social transformation by transition. Thus, it is different from other perspectives of social change such as revolutionary or reformist ones. Transition, as a model of social transformation, is a highly debated topic. Its content, form, objectives and potential radicality are all subjected to controversies. By studying the tensions, constraints and ambivalences that are experienced by Bioma's activists, I explore what real alternative practices may be, in their empirical materiality, but also the ways in which they are involved in a specific model of social change by transition. In addition to being part of a main social movement, alternative practices usually support, participate and are articulated with other types of social movements. Hence, we shouldn't understand the strategies and models of social change in an exclusive manner. Alternative practices carry a perspective of transition while also participating in both contentious strategies and more institutional ones. The members of Bioma are experimenting and prefiguring material and relational practices that aim at transforming individuals' subjectivity. These internal practices unfold and are projected in the relationships that Bioma create. Therefore, this group participates to the diversification of possible and actually existing modes of existence and commitment. Through these alternative practices, Bioma builds specific spaces that are part of a spatial struggle. The type of transition for which Bioma fights is "ontological" as it aims at creating a "world" different from the dominant world, even though it is interwoven within it. My thesis shows how this always imperfect and unfinished alternative world is built and experimented. Through this analysis, we see how this world generates a number of tensions and ambivalences that the activists of Bioma live daily. My analysis draws from a three-year long ethnographic fieldwork during which I was immersed in projects of urban agriculture and permaculture. During this time, I became part of the group and I participated in every collective activities and practices. I also conducted interviews, had in-depth informal conversations and collected and analyzed the documents that were present in my fieldwork. For the whole of my fieldwork, my research posture was one of a militant ethnographer.

No description available.

[pt] Em reação aos problemas causados pelo crescimento da urbanização mundial, o movimento da agricultura urbana vem se expandindo e consolidando como infraestrutura verde capaz de gerar novas alternativas para o ambiente urbano e a segurança alimentar, tanto no Norte como no Sul Global. Majoritariamente implantadas em espaços residuais, as hortas urbanas comunitárias promovem dinamismo na produção do espaço e ações de impacto socioambiental que podem contribuir para sustentabilidade e resiliência urbanas. O objeto de estudo desta dissertação é o programa de agricultura urbana comunitária da prefeitura do Rio de Janeiro – Hortas Cariocas, que, desde 2006, viabiliza a produção de alimentos orgânicos em favelas, escolas e vazios urbanos. Buscou-se cruzar o referencial teórico com dados do programa, visitas, entrevistas e aplicação de questionários para analisar o Programa Hortas Cariocas e verificar suas contribuições para a cidade e a Agenda 2030 como vetor de desenvolvimento sustentável no contexto urbano. / [en] Reacting to the problems caused by the growth of world urbanization, the urban agriculture movement has been expanding and consolidating as a green infrastructure able to generate new alternatives for the urban environment and food security, regardless of climate or city location – North or Global South. Mostly implemented in residual spaces, community urban gardens promote dynamism in space production and socioenvironmental impact that can also contribute to urban sustainability and resilience.The object of study of this dissertation is the communal urban agriculture program of the city of Rio de Janeiro – Hortas Cariocas, which since 2006 produces organic food in slums, schools and urban voids. This research aimed to cross the theoretical framework with data from the program, visits, interviews and application of questionnaires to analyze Hortas Cariocas and verify its contributions to the city and 2030 Agenda as a sustainable development vector in the urban context.

[pt] O presente artigo busca explicar como a filantropia influencia o desenvolvimento internacional e pode exercer um papel estratégico para a transição agroecológica nas cidades. Uma linha do tempo histórica elucida a interseção entre a profissionalização do financiamento filantrópico e a expansão do desenvolvimento internacional com foco em analisar o impacto da filantropia no desenvolvimento internacional da agricultura. Argumenta-se ao longo do artigo que organizações filantrópicas familiares possuem responsabilidade e oportunidade estratégica de apoiar a transição agroecológica, especificamente em territórios urbanos, de forma a minimamente compensar apoios filantrópicos prévios à agricultura feitos com pouca preocupação ecológica e social. Recomendações e lições aprendidas são compartilhadas no final do artigo de forma a evidenciar boas práticas replicáveis e gargalos de apoios filantrópicos à agroecologia urbana no Brasil. Para tanto, foram usados como fontes primárias e secundárias: literatura especializada publicada em revistas e eventos, relatórios de transparência e materiais audiovisuais de storytelling de fundações filantrópicas, associações de financiadores, organizações da sociedade civil e internacionais. / [en] This article seeks to explain how philanthropy influences international development and can play a strategic role in the agroecological transition in cities. A historical timeline elucidates the intersection between the professionalisation of philanthropic funding and the expansion of international development with a focus on analysing the impact of philanthropy on the international development of agriculture. It is argued throughout the article that family philanthropic organisations have a responsibility and a strategic opportunity to support the agroecological transition specifically in urban territories, minimally offsetting prior philanthropic grants to agriculture established with little ecological and social concern. Recommendations and lessons learned are shared at the end of the article in order to highlight replicable best practices and bottlenecks in philanthropic support for urban agroecology in Brazil. To this end, specialised literature published in magazines and events, transparency reports and audio-visual storytelling materials from philanthropic foundations, donor associations, civil society and international organisations were used as analysis tools.