Making land work for the losers: Policy responses to the urbanisation of rural livelihoods

Abstract

An unusually extensive study of three peri-urban situations illustrates how land in developing countries can figure in the changes to rural livelihoods that result from their proximity to a city. In response to the findings, a number of land-related aspects of policy can be envisioned that might ameliorate any tendencies to impoverish farmers as they are absorbed into urban life and to reduce household food security. These include actions regarding land planning, land tenure, urban waste management, technical assistance, finance and participation. These possibilities demonstrate the potential of policy that is sensitive to rural lives and livelihoods likely to change because of urban expansion.

Citation

International Development Planning Review (2009) 31 (1) 37-53 [doi: 10.3828/idpr.31.1.3]

Making land work for the losers: Policy responses to the urbanisation of rural livelihoods

Published 1 January 2009