Main problems in urban agriculture and leverage points to drive it towards sustainability: a review

In order to identify the main problems of urban agriculture as well as distinguish some actions necessary to lead it towards sustainability, a bibliographic review was carried out with quantitative and qualitative methods, taking as reference the theoretical methodological framework of leverage points. The results show that the main deficiencies in urban agriculture are related to inadequate management practices, a lack of organization, and absent or inefficient public policies. On the other hand, the leverage points with the greatest potential for change would be agroecology as a management system, designing policies for access to land and sustainable financing, and promoting dissemination processes. As documented, there are important investigative advances, although isolated, in matters related to materials, practices, and processes. It is still necessary to delve into levers related to design and intentions. This bibliographic approach can be useful to reflect on and plan future interventions that seek to improve the conditions of agriculture in multiple urban contexts. Permanent dialogue and collaborative work between all the key actors in this phenomenon are crucial to strengthening its transition towards sustainability.