Promoting agroecology urban agriculture from the university. Over a decade of work with diverse groups

Abstract

Facing the socioeconomic crisis in 2002 in Uruguay, the University of the Republic implemented the Program Food Production and Community Organization (PPAOC), responding to collective problems of food insecurity. It worked until 2006, contributing to the formation of "neighbors for food production and organization of social networks", integrating the functions of the University in an interdisciplinary way. In 2005, the Huertas Program in Educational Centers (PHCE) arises in a collective agreement with the government of Montevideo and Public Education. This Program is based on the implementation of school gardens, which promote a new relationship with nature, develops healthy eating habits and ecological practices with extension to households. 32 guidance counselors work in 48 schools in the capital (Montevideo) and 5 rural schools in Cerro Largo, coordinating activities with 500 teachers and working 15,000 children and their families. Learning extends to society by the annual Course "Agro-ecological food production", seeking to answer a growing demand for their applicability to educational processes and / or inclusion. Currently, is also developing an Integral Training Area Detention Center, where the UA has an important role in improving the living conditions of persons deprived of liberty, the generation of future projects and training of University students. The work of the University with stakeholders, sharing knowledge and integrating teaching, research and extension, shows that UA can be a valid space as a contribution to human development.