Sprawling cities, shrinking farmland: urban expansion and smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa has been experiencing significant urban expansion as cities grow at an unprecedented rate, albeit with consequences for smallholder farmers in peri-urban areas. Based on a systematic review, this paper explores the state of knowledge and the thematic focus in the literature concer...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Taylor & Francis Group
2025-12-01
|
| Series: | International Journal of Urban Sustainable Development |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/19463138.2025.2517014 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | Sub-Saharan Africa has been experiencing significant urban expansion as cities grow at an unprecedented rate, albeit with consequences for smallholder farmers in peri-urban areas. Based on a systematic review, this paper explores the state of knowledge and the thematic focus in the literature concerning urban expansion and smallholder farmers from Sub-Saharan African cities. Scopus and Web of Science databases were accessed for literature on peri-urbanisation and smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Guided by the PRISMA statement, 56 original peer-reviewed journal articles were selected. Gradual scholarly attention to peri-urbanisation and smallholder farmers has focused on urban expansion dynamics, changing peri-urban land tenure and rights, and ineffective land policies. Urban expansion impacts smallholder farmers’ livelihoods as farmland shrinks, giving way to sprawling cities. There is a need for inclusive urban development and sustainable peri-urban agriculture. Comparative peri-urban studies on trends and thematic focus across time and space are desirable. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1946-3138 1946-3146 |