: Johan G.L. Verheyden
: Aries Consult Ltd and Aries Consult Kenya
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This literature review explores how the growing demand from rapidly urbanizing areas in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania is reshaping rural food systems. The phenomenon—referred to as the "urban pull"—is driving a shift toward cash crop production and monoculture, often at the expense of local food security and dietary diversity in rural communities. The paper examines urban-rural interdependence, market dynamics, infrastructure constraints, and climate pressures. It concludes with policy recommendations for sustainable and equitable food systems governance that can bridge rural livelihoods and urban nutritional demands.
: Urbanization, rural food systems, East Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, food security, cash crops, market access, climate resilience, infrastructure, nutrition.