SOCIAL NETWORKS IN URBAN AGRICULTURE: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Urban agriculture has been considered a relevant practice to face the challenges of population growth, urbanization and food security. Social aspects are important to understand the dynamics that affect implementation and maintenance of urban agriculture practices. Therefore, the article analyzes how the literature has addressed urban agriculture through the lens of social network theory. Applying a systematic literature review, sixty-five articles were selected and analyzed, identifying that social networks are important for survival, empowerment and access to resources; for social change; for changes in the environment and for the development of urban agriculture projects. It was also noted that characteristics of the studied relationships, such as the strength of ties, generate different types of social capital: bridging and bonding.