In the city of Cuenca, productive and economic activities have been incorporated into land use plans and urban legislation for more than two decades. The goal of this project is to promote citizen participation, environmental awareness, and food security.
Problems and Purpose
The Urban Agriculture Program in Cuenca (Span. PAUC) is an initiative promoted by the City of Cuenca in 1998 in order to recover cultural traditions and reduce food insecurity caused by the economic crisis in Ecuador. The project was carried out through the promotion and reinforcement of urban and ecological agriculture practices among the population. Priority has been given to the most disadvantaged sectors, with the purpose of securing them a food reserve, while generating employment and marketing surpluses. For the PAUC, interested institutions, community groups and citizens individually established sets of projects and activities.
Background History and Context
Organizing, Supporting, and Funding Entities
Participant Recruitment and Selection
The number of citizens engaged in and benefiting from the project is estimated to be around 3000.
Methods and Tools Used
What Went On: Process, Interaction, and Participation
Among the results obtained by this project, were 190 families and institutions that began to produce organic food for consumption and marketing, using local resources and improving their nutrition and income, as well as strengthening their organization and increasing the quality of their environment. At the same time, emphasis was placed on project ownership by the participants, the population showed growing interest as the activities progressed.
Influence, Outcomes, and Effects
Analysis and Lessons Learned
See Also
References
External Links
Programa de Agricultura Urbana, Cuenca y sus alrededores (Ecuador): http://habitat.aq.upm.es/dubai/00/bp761.html