The Role of Natural Resources in the Livelihoods of the Urban Poor

Abstract

Urban populations in developing countries are growing rapidly, as are the numbers of poor living in urban areas. This publication is about the role played by agriculture and natural resources in the livelihoods of the urban poor. The publication explores the defining characteristics of urban poverty, showing the effect of the monetized economy on the livelihoods of the urban poor, and their extreme vulnerability to changes in markets that affect their incomes and consumption. Urban populations use natural resources (land, water, agricultural produce and wild resources) to support their livelihoods. Critical linkages arise through: employment and income; migration, remittances and investment; consumption and expenditure; environment, energy and pollution; and policy and institutions. Building on an analysis of urban poverty, and the important role of natural resources in urban livelihoods, the final section proposes guidelines for policy and direct intervention to improve the livelihoods of the urban poor