Urbanisation, structural change and the food system: The crucial role of rural-urban linkages

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Both urban and rural areas in West Africa are undergoing considerable transformations. As an ever greater proportion of the region’s population live – and will live – in urban centres, how can policies help ensure that rural residents are not left behind, and at the same time that food production satisfies the needs of the growing urban population?

In her contribution to the Sahel and West Africa Club blog, Cecilia Tacoli of the International Institute for Environment and Development (IIED) looks at rural-urban linkages and the role these can play to support inclusive and sustainable development. The author argues that there is a need to develop stronger synergy between national and sectoral policies and local development strategies. This requires local institutions and governments that can address issues of inequality. They need to have access to disaggregated data, have financial autonomy and gain legitimacy through accountability to their citizens. We invite you to share your thoughts or examples: How are rural-urban linkages driving structural change? What role do small urban centres play in developing these linkages? What are the implications for food security dynamics?

Read the blog post: http://bit.ly/1R6ddCG

Also read: Thinking food beyond agriculture