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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

    as
    1. Jan Hinderink & Milan Titus, 2002. "Small Towns and Regional Development: Major Findings and Policy Implications from Comparative Research," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 39(3), pages 379-391, March.
    2. George Owusu, 2008. "The Role of Small Towns in Regional Development and Poverty Reduction in Ghana," International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(2), pages 453-472, June.
    3. Frank Ellis, 2000. "The Determinants of Rural Livelihood Diversification in Developing Countries," Journal of Agricultural Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 51(2), pages 289-302, May.
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    5. Christiaensen, Luc & Todo, Yasuyuki, 2014. "Poverty Reduction During the Rural–Urban Transformation – The Role of the Missing Middle," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 63(C), pages 43-58.
    6. 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.
    7. Huggins, Chris, 2017. "Agricultural Reform in Rwanda," University of Chicago Press Economics Books, University of Chicago Press, number 9781786990006, Febrero.
    8. Ellis, Frank, 2000. "Rural Livelihoods and Diversity in Developing Countries," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198296966.
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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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