Agricultura urbana como instrumento de desenvolvimento na perpectiva de Amartya Sen

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between intra-urban gardens and development in the Senian perspective. For this purpose, a multiple case study was carried out in vegetable gardens located in the intra-urban area of the municipality of Araguaína-TO. Eight gardens (cases) were investigated, and the data collected using semi-structured interview techniques and forms were analyzed using content analysis. It was investigated whether this type of urban agriculture, as evidenced by vegetable gardens, could be considered a potential instrument for the development process theorized by Amartya Sen, considering that in order for there to be development all forms of deprivation of liberty must be removed, and the Freedom must be a means to achieve development and an objective to be achieved. The study allows us to consider that the vegetable garden presents itself as a positive instrument to be used, however, the enterprise alone cannot eliminate all forms of deprivation of freedom and capacity, considering that many of them are made up of the absence of the State. From a positive point of view, it was possible to understand that the enterprise provides a favorable income for horticulturists, taking into account the low educational and technical training, which directly reflects in the goods and services to which they have access and in the living conditions, which were considered satisfactory from the data. The venture also contributes to the local economy, given the local production of the various types of products from the plantations, which has a positive impact on issues of employment, income and the composition of the urban space, as it contributes to cleanliness and the landscape. Although it is potential, horticulture from the data did not prove to be a simple choice, it was more the lack of other opportunities that led horticulturists to that enterprise, and still very well liked by the interviewees who do not imagine themselves in another profession and expressed that among other possible choices this is the most advantageous, mainly economically. Issues unfavorable to the enterprise are linked to the type of work that physically demands from producers and the lack of recognition and investment by public and private authorities in the activity, which influences the scarcity of capital to invest and expand. It was possible to infer that horticulturists are deprived of basic freedoms linked to social opportunities, such as education, health and basic sanitation that they say about well-being. Therefore, the vegetable garden is a potential undertaking to work on some aspects related to social opportunities within the development process, although it cannot deal with all of them, and as presented, it has many positive aspects which makes it a viable possibility that should be used more, especially in the scope of public policies aimed at development.