Abstract
Theory and practice show that second-tier cities can play an important role in linking the urban and the rural. Second-tier cities are the middle ground of the urban system. The smaller spatial scale of second-tier cities, and their often-stronger connections with the rural hinterland can potentially enable a more sustainable food system. In this paper, we argue that the extent to which the benefits ascribed to the re-localisation of food can be achieved greatly depends on the contextual specifics of the second-tier city and the region in which it is embedded. Furthermore, we argue that to reach resilient, healthy and environmentally friendly city region food systems, three contextual elements need to be considered in their mutual coherence: (1) the historical development of the second-tier city and the region; (2) the proximity of food production to the second-tier city; (3) the scale and reach of the city region’s food system. We use the case-study of the Dutch city Almere to show how (a controlled) growth of cities can be combined with maintaining (or even increasing) the strength of adjacent rural areas. Such cities can play a role in creating Garden Regions: regions that foster healthy, sustainable and resilient food systems and that do not just connect urban and rural regions, but also connect city region food systems to national and global markets.
Highlights
Cities are increasingly taking the lead in the food system transition with a focus on city-region-based food provision [1,2]
Based on theory and practice, we argue that to reach resilient, healthy and environmentally friendly city region food systems, three contextual elements need to be considered in their mutual coherence: (1) The historical development of the second-tier city and the region; (2) The proximity of food production to the second tier city; (3) The scale and reach of the city region food system
Almere was designed according to the principles of the Garden City of Ebenezer Howard: a vision in which second-tier cities such as Almere would be embedded in their agricultural hinterland
Summary
Cities are increasingly taking the lead in the food system transition with a focus on city-region-based food provision [1,2]. The smaller spatial scale of second-tier cities, and their often-stronger connections with the rural hinterland potentially enables a more sustainable food system. Based on theory and practice, we argue that to reach resilient, healthy and environmentally friendly city region food systems, three contextual elements need to be considered in their mutual coherence:. Almere was designed according to the principles of the Garden City of Ebenezer Howard: a vision in which second-tier cities such as Almere would be embedded in their agricultural hinterland In practice it did not work out as planned, partly because the wider region of Flevoland developed into an intensive, export-driven agricultural hotspot. This paper will conclude with stating that, to achieve CRFS, second-tier cities should not aim to become self-sufficient Garden Cities, but Garden Regions that connect to other regions, as well as to the national and global market
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