Agroforestry in Rio: The Role of Traditional Farmers in Urban Forest Conservation

In the hills of Vargem Grande, Rio de Janeiro, brothers Jorge and Ubirajara Cardia, members of the Quilombola Cafundá Astrogilda community, harvest bananas using traditional methods passed down through generations. Their cultivation of prata, maçã, and Cavendish bananas is not merely a commercial endeavor; it serves as a vital defense for the Pedra Branca State Park, recognized as the world’s largest urban forest. This agroforestry practice integrates banana cultivation with native species, creating a sustainable ecosystem that combats the pressures of urbanization.

The GuardianRio Farmers Shield Urban Forest Through Agroforestry Tradition

Established in 1974, the Pedra Branca State Park spans 12,500 hectares (30,888 acres) and was initially designed to protect its biodiversity. However, the park's environmental management plan restricted local farmers from using the land and planting exotic species, including bananas. Despite these restrictions, the Quilombola communities remained, adapting their practices to coexist with the park's ecosystem. Over time, they have proven to be effective stewards of the land, contributing to its preservation.

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AgroVargem, an organization of small-scale farmers, plays a crucial role in supporting these traditional practices. Sarah Rubia Nunes, who manages AgroVargem, emphasizes that agroecology transcends mere crop production; it represents a lifestyle choice that fosters community and environmental stewardship. The organization facilitates the sale of approximately 250 to 300 kilograms (550 to 660 pounds) of bananas weekly, providing a steady income for local families while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

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Despite their contributions, traditional farmers have historically faced opposition from state authorities, who often viewed them as threats to conservation efforts. Annelise Fernandez, an environmental sciences professor, notes that parks are typically established without recognizing the role of local communities in ecosystem preservation. This has led to a need for policies that reconcile land rights with environmental conservation.

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In 2010, the State Institute of the Environment acknowledged the role of traditional farmers as conservation agents. More recently, in November 2023, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva issued a decree aimed at fostering coexistence between conservation efforts and the cultural practices of quilombola communities. This marks a significant shift in recognizing the importance of integrating traditional agricultural practices into urban conservation strategies.

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The agroforestry systems practiced by the Cafundá Astrogilda community not only enhance biodiversity but also improve soil health and water management, contributing to climate change mitigation. Experts assert that these systems can achieve up to 80% of the biodiversity found in natural forests. Luz Stella Rodríguez Cáceres, an anthropology and geography specialist, advocates for the inclusion of these farmers in the Food and Agriculture Organization's Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) to further protect their practices.

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As urban populations grow, the lessons from the Pedra Branca State Park offer a model for integrating traditional farming with urban planning. The success of the Cafundá Astrogilda community illustrates that sustainable practices can coexist with urban development, potentially serving as a template for cities worldwide facing similar challenges. If policies continue to evolve in alignment with these realities, the "agriculture of life" may set a standard for resilient urban centers globally.

Rio Farmers Shield Urban Forest Through Agroforestry Tradition

• “I call it ‘agriculture of life’ because this way of growing food cherishes the forest, the water, the space we live in,” — Jorge Cardia, Banana Grower

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• “Agroecology is no longer only about growing crops; it is a way of living.” — Sarah Rubia Nunes, AgroVargem Manager

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• “They have never destroyed the forest. Quite the contrary; as they manage it for their subsistence, they end up preserving it.” — Sarah Rubia Nunes, AgroVargem Manager

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• “If you ask me what’s most harmful to the forest, [I’d say] it’s the real estate speculation surrounding the park, draining its water resources.” — Luz Stella Rodríguez Cáceres, UFRJ Specialist

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