The Urban Pull on Rural Food Production Systems in East Africa

his literature review explores the growing interdependence between urban centers and rural agricultural systems in East Africa, focusing on Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania. It investigates how the rising demand from rapidly urbanizing areas influences rural farming practices, often incentivizing a shift toward cash crop production for urban markets. This dynamic, referred to as the "urban pull," can lead to reduced crop diversity, food insecurity, and malnutrition in rural communities despite their central role in food production. Drawing on a wide range of scientific and grey literature, the review highlights how infrastructure deficits, inequitable market access, and climate change exacerbate these challenges. It also assesses policy frameworks and interventions aimed at achieving a balance between urban food supply and rural nutritional security. The paper identifies critical knowledge gaps and calls for more integrated, data-driven, and sustainable approaches to food systems governance that prioritize equity and resilience in the face of urbanization.