The Peri-Urban interface, largely conceptualised as the geographical space around the urban centres, is considered important in the context of food security and improving livelihoods and it competes with scarce urban resources like land, water, energy and labour. The scale of urban and peri-urban agriculture is also substantial with approximately 800 million people across the globe practicing it. The practice includes small- and large-scale activities in agronomic and horticulture sectors, livestock rearing, fodder and milk production, aquaculture, and forestry - where several activities may be carried out within one enterprise. Rapidly expanding urban centers are straining natural resources and the absorption of the existing agricultural land on the periphery of the cities are leading to decreased green or ‘breathing’ spaces, interruption of supply chains of vital food (food grains, vegetables, dairy products etc.) items to cities, disruption of livelihood patterns of those living in these areas and increased heat island effects.

 

Peri-Urban agriculture provides food and livelihood security to the vulnerable populations living in the area. Its role in terms of providing food and the ecosystem services are vital. Climate change impacts are exacerbating flood events, increases in temperatures; droughts that lead to water scarcity etc. that adversely impact urban areas. The peri-urban spaces have, therefore, become more valuable in terms of providing buffering capacity to the cities towards strengthening their resilience capacities.

 

Such vital spaces around cities are under constant threat due to un-clear conceptualisations and appropriate policies at national and local levels. The proposed conference is expected to initiate a dialogue on the concept of peri-urban space, the role of peri-urban ecosystems, the choices in peri-urban space, the context of food and nutritional security and the related issues.

 

The interactive conference will be divided into various thematic sessions leading to the valedictory session where the needed action at national, state and local levels will be identified. The participants will include scientists and academics, researchers, development professionals, planners, elected representatives, government departments and peri-urban farmers. We are also inviting the CSR institutions for drawing their interest in investing in this important aspect.

 

For detailed information, please contact Ms. Nivedita Mani, GEAG at periurban2016@gmail.com