Strengthening Rural-Urban Linkages in Africa to achieve food security

This is the forth event in the series ‘Frontiers in Development Policy’ and it will analyze the importance of the link between both the rural and urban dimension. In particular the focus will be on recognizing the role of small towns and enhancing rural-urban linkages in making food systems more effective and inclusive.

The event will look at multiple and complex interconnections between rural and urban spaces, and how these affect poverty and food insecurity in Africa. Firstly, the session will explore the urban-rural dynamic in Africa and implication for food systems, presenting some cases of agro-food sector development in small-medium sized towns. Finally, it will discuss concrete approaches that build, transform or strengthen urban-rural linkages to achieve food security for all.

Introduction:

Leonard Mizzi, Head of UNIT C – DG DEVCO

Presentations:

Francesco Rampa, Head of Programme Sustainable Food Systems and Economic and Agricultural Transformation Programme at ECDPM

Olivier De Schutter, Co-Chair, International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems (IPES-Food)

Guido Santini, Technical Coordinator of the “Food for the Cities” Programme at FAO

Discussant:

Daniele Fattibene, Research Fellow at IAI

Moderator:

Giulia Maci, ETTG Coordinator

Please, find out more here.

Image courtesy of CIFOR via Flickr