Food, agriculture and cities: challenges of food and nutrition security, agriculture and ecosystem management in an urbanizing world
This paper examines the interaction of urban and rural food systems, not as separate systems, but as two complementary sides of the food systems everywhere that are a continuum between urban and rural landscapes and actors. While this study emphasizes the continuum between rural and urban, it is recognized that there are significant conflicts and competition for resources such as land and water, as well as significant differences between food systems found in urban, peri-urban and rural areas. Nonetheless, this paper stresses the potential for complementarities and synergies resulting from dialogue, planning and action led by actors across the urban rural continuum.