2025 Reports

Rosario Agroecological Transition and Green and Just Recovery: Scaling Up Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture

Ramirez-Cuesta, Alejandra; Cantore, Maria

The city of Rosario is a remarkable example of agroecological food production through urban and peri-urban agriculture (UPA), with a focus on social inclusion, co-production of knowledge, and co-management to ensure equity. Over the years, local policies have evolved to promote the creation of green jobs and an equitable recovery from economic crises, as well as to emphasize the role of agroecology as an ecosystem service and a preventive measure against urban expansion, addressing ongoing debates on climate change.

The Urban Agriculture Program (UAP) and Green Belt Project (GBP) are Rosario's principal agro-ecological initiatives. The UAP was implemented in 2002, while the GBP was implemented in 2016. They prioritize green employment, social equity, and mutual support, while promoting the distribution of healthy food through sustainable methods and technologies, and foster interaction between consumers and producers.

The implementation of the programs has led to the development of a multi-level governance strategy aimed at tackling complex socio-economic-environmental issues. The primary focus is to advance sustainable food production and equity, with consideration given to climate change benefits. This includes enhancing the city's climate resilience, as well as lessening its environmental footprint and greenhouse gas emissions.

Keywords: green jobs, ecosystem services, agro-ecological transition