ABSTRACT
This chapter explores a systems modeling framework to explore how sustainable agriculture can alleviate the extreme conditions of poverty and environmental stress experienced in Buffalo, New York and other Rust Belt cities that have an abundance of abandoned property and vacant lots in core urban areas. In the context of a civic engagement with Buffalos Massachusetts Avenue Project, a systems modeling framework is developed to integrate sustainable agriculture and local food security. Massachusetts Avenue Project (MAP) increasing emphasis on sustainable urban agriculture was outlined in its award-winning Food for Growth report, produced collaboratively with the University at Buffalos Department of Urban and Regional Planning. The chapter considers how urban agriculture contributes to local food production as a means of meeting the needs of underserved residents in Buffalos food deserts toward the goal of spatial justice in terms of both social equity and ecosystem resilience.
