The challenges of urban-rural linkages and sustainability in Amhara region, Ethiopia

Ethiopia, the second most populous country in Africa, is undergoing rapid urbanization without commensurate economic growth, a situation that presents significant challenges. The prevalence of capital- and land-intensive horizontal urban expansion strains infrastructure investments and compromises urban sustainability. Guided by the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, this study analyzes urban-rural linkages, governance challenges, and sustainable urban development with a particular focus on the peri-urban areas of six selected cities in the Amhara Region, Ethiopia. This study applies a mixed-methods approach, comprising a household survey of 357 respondents, six focus group discussions (FGDs), and 35 key informant interviews (KIIs). The study reveals critical challenges affecting urban-rural linkages in peri-urban areas, including low road quality with a Relative Importance Index (RII = 0.11), lack of public transport accessibility (RII = 0.12), and inadequate waste management (RII = 0.12). The governance challenges, such as lack of clear land ownership (RII = 0.68), informality (RII = 0.69), variations in land use regulations (RII = 0.68), inefficient funds (RII = 0.67), separate administrative authorities (RII = 0.66), insufficient integration of rural and urban planning (RII = 0.65), and overlapping responsibilities (RII = 0.71), also significantly contribute to unfavorable urban-rural integration. Qualitative findings substantiate these results and highlight that governance challenges significantly disrupt the sustainable urban-rural integration. To address these challenges effectively, policymakers should prioritize governance reforms, including harmonizing land use regulations across jurisdictions, improving land tenure systems, and establishing integrated urban-rural institutional frameworks to foster sustainable urban development. Strengthening urban-rural linkages in peri-urban zones is essential for ensuring the sustainable development of rapidly growing cities in Ethiopia. • Urban-rural connections are vital for balanced economic growth and integrated development. • Unclear land rights and fragmented administration undermine governance in peri-urban areas. • Improving infrastructure, governance, and funding is key to addressing land development challenges. • Weak infrastructure, transport, and utilities hinder urban-rural links in peri-urban zones.