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Multi-activity, Multi-locality and Small-Town Development in Cameroon, Ghana, Rwanda and Tanzania

Author

Listed:
  • Griet Steel

    (Utrecht University)

  • Torben Birch-Thomsen

    (University of Copenhagen)

  • Ine Cottyn

    (Utrecht University)

  • Evelyn A. Lazaro

    (Sokoine University of Agriculture)

  • Hélène Mainet

    (University Clermont Auverge)

  • Fulgence J. Mishili

    (Sokoine University of Agriculture)

  • P. Lindert

    (Utrecht University)

Abstract

This paper deals with the impact of livelihood diversification through multi-activity and multi-locality on small-town development in Cameroon, Ghana, Rwanda and Tanzania. Based on a cross-country analysis of qualitative and quantitative data from ten different research sites, its central argument is that the tendencies of de-agrarianisation, agricultural commercialisation, livelihood diversification and the increased importance of rural–urban connections have accelerated an almost universal process of rural urbanisation. The paper casts innovative light on the discussions surrounding small-town development in Sub-Saharan Africa by showing that livelihood diversification and increased rural–urban linkages are not only crucial features in the urbanisation of the countryside but also of the transformation of small villages into emerging towns. This metamorphosis of livelihoods in rural regions, resulting from agricultural transformation, increased multi-locality and multi-activity, has contributed to the emergence and consolidation of small towns.

Suggested Citation

  • Griet Steel & Torben Birch-Thomsen & Ine Cottyn & Evelyn A. Lazaro & Hélène Mainet & Fulgence J. Mishili & P. Lindert, 2019. "Multi-activity, Multi-locality and Small-Town Development in Cameroon, Ghana, Rwanda and Tanzania," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 31(1), pages 12-33, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:eurjdr:v:31:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1057_s41287-018-0183-y
    DOI: 10.1057/s41287-018-0183-y
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Haggblade, Steven & Hazell, Peter & Reardon, Thomas, 2010. "The Rural Non-farm Economy: Prospects for Growth and Poverty Reduction," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 38(10), pages 1429-1441, October.
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    8. Leo De Haan & Annelies Zoomers, 2003. "Development geography at the crossroads of livelihood and globalisation," Tijdschrift voor Economische en Sociale Geografie, Royal Dutch Geographical Society KNAG, vol. 94(3), pages 350-362, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ian Scoones & Felix Murimbarimba, 2021. "Small Towns and Land Reform in Zimbabwe," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 33(6), pages 2040-2062, December.
    2. Jytte Agergaard & Susanne Kirkegaard & Torben Birch-Thomsen, 2021. "Between Village and Town: Small-Town Urbanism in Sub-Saharan Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-21, January.

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