Urban Agriculture with an Iar-fao Approach during Covid-19: A Socio-educational Strategy from Cuenca, Ecuador

This paper describes a socio-educational strategy implemented in Cuenca, Ecuador, during the COVID-19 pandemic, aimed at addressing food insecurity through urban agriculture in public schools. The initiative was based on the principles of the FAO’s Resilient Agroecological Intensification (IAR-FAO) framework and involved children and adolescents in designing, implementing, and maintaining organic gardens. Activities included environmental education workshops, participatory learning sessions, and encouraging students and their families to replicate gardens at home. The methodology followed a four-phase process: planning, training, action, and evaluation. A total of 229 students from five schools participated, with measurable impacts on environmental awareness, food self-sufficiency, and gender empowerment. Results indicated that 80% of students demonstrated a strong understanding of agroecological principles and food security concepts. Moreover, school gardens served not only as educational spaces but also as tools to strengthen community resilience during crises. This experience highlights the potential of inclusive, school-based urban agriculture to support social sustainability by enhancing food sovereignty, promoting environmental stewardship, and building community solidarity in vulnerable urban areas.