This paper presents a dramatic example of how agroecology has been used to restore chronically degraded land, create productive public space, and foster inclusive socio-economic activity inside the densely populated Manguinhos favela of Rio de Janeiro. It demonstrates how fragile, informal contexts can benefit from creating green infrastructure that is anchored to community involvement and practical action. It gives an overview of the processes involved in building such a project; observes its challenges and benefits; and in closing, outlines considerations for engaging organic agriculture to shape sustainable socio-economic activity in informal urban contexts.