How is peri-urban research evolved towards sustainable urban planning in last five decades: a quantitative analysis and systematic review

Abstract Peri-urbanization is a globally emerging phenomenon influencing sustainable rural–urban planning and development. Despite substantial growth in research, comprehensive evaluations remain limited. This study analyzes peri-urban research trends, identifying significant contributors (such as authors, institutions, countries, cities, documents, and journals) and thematic extents. Screened 4,805 core documents from Scopus, the dataset divides into three phases: such as Phase-I (1976–2000: before twenty-first century), Phase-II (2001–2015: MDG period) and Phase-III (2016–2023: mid-SDG period). Both Bibliometric R (Biblioshiny) and VOSviewer software tools were employed for analysis. The results reveal a steady to rapid rise in both publications (186, 1,564, and 3,055 in three phases, respectively) and citations. Globally, both developed (e.g., USA, UK, and Australia) and developing countries (e.g., China, India, and Ghana) exhibit strong engagement in peri-urban research. Recently, publication frequency in developing countries has increased, with some least developed countries also entering the field. Notably, three-fourths of the studied cities are located in the Global South (e.g., Beijing, Mexico, Accra, Kolkata, Delhi, Bengaluru, Dar es Salaam, Sao Paulo, Kumasi, Nairobi, and Hanoi), with fewer from the Global North (e.g., Rome and Sydney), underscoring the regional significance of peri-urbanization. Although authors and institutions from both developed and developing countries contribute substantially, the most productive journals are predominantly from developed regions. Thematically, key research areas across all three phases include peri-urban area, urbanization, urban expansion, urban and peri-urban agriculture, amenities and services, rural–urban ecology, environmental degradation, and policy frameworks. Early studies before the twenty-first century were limited in scope, whereas the subsequent decades have seen more detailed investigations into critical issues. Recent trends highlight contemporary concerns such as the Global South, green space and hydrology, ecosystem services, climate change and adaptation, livelihood, ecological sustainability, and methodological advancement. Overall, Phase I marked the foundational era of peri-urban studies, while Phases II and III represent the most significant periods of growth, expanding the research core into diverse sub-fields. This review provides valuable insights for rural–urban policymakers, planners, and researchers to better understand the multifaceted nature of peri-urbanization and its challenges, offering a solid foundation for future research.