Urbanisation and rural-urban linkages

Understanding urbanisation and the links between rural and urban areas

Related publications

Underpinning the demographic shift in population from rural to urban areas are substantial social, economic and cultural transformations.

Our work with partners in Africa, Asia and Latin America documents how urbanisation goes hand in hand with rural change, with special attention on the role of smaller urban centres in rural and regional development and in supporting effective food systems.

Building on local contexts and capacities, we aim to develop, promote and share new approaches that tap the potential benefits of urbanisation and avoid its exclusionary and environmentally destructive tendencies.

Contact: Cecilia Tacoli (cecilia.tacoli@iied.org), principal researcher, Human Settlements.

Find out more about IIED's Human Settlements research group.