Rural-urban Interface Research Articles

Attributing spatially stratified heterogeneity in biodiversity of urban–rural interlaced zones based on the OPGD model

Urban–rural interlaced zones are characterized by the interpenetration of urban and rural elements, drastic changes in construction, relatively weak planning and management, and anthropogenic activities that constantly impact the ecological background. However, the ecological barriers and hinterland spaces of the city center provide important ecological functions. In this study, we selected forest birds as indicator species of the urban ecological environment and explored the spatial stratification and heterogeneity effects of environmental substrates and anthropogenic activities on bird diversity (species richness, abundance, Shannon–Wiener index, and Simpson index) in urban–rural interlaced zones using the optimal parameter geographic detector model to characterize the changes in ecological functions in these zones. The results of this study are as follows:(1) The bird diversity index in Minhang District, Shanghai, showed an obvious urban-rural gradient divergence with the transition of urban zone- rural-urban interface - rural zone.An agglomerative spatial differentiation pattern was observed more in the southeast but less in the northwest, with a high degree of spatial distribution concentrations and evident imbalance characteristics.(2) The spatially stratified heterogeneity in bird diversity in urban–rural interlaced zones was because of the combined action of multiple driving factors under the three dimensions of habitat environment, degree of urbanization, and anthropogenic interference. Most of the interactions between any two factors showed non-linear or bifactorial enhancement effects. Furthermore, the one-factor explanatory power of urbanization and anthropogenic interference factors on bird diversity was significantly higher than that of the habitat environment factor.(3) Population heat distribution (PD), distance to the center of Shanghai (DC), and nighttime lighting index(NTL) were the main drivers of spatially stratified heterogeneity in bird diversity and the key indicators of urban–rural gradient changes. The interaction between PD and DC had the strongest explanatory power for the spatial differentiation of bird diversity.

Meta-analysis of Heavy Metal Pollution in Soil-crop Systems in China's Urban-Rural Fringe

Owing to the influence of human activities, the issue of heavy metal pollution in farmland soil at the urban-rural fringe has become increasingly prominent. An accurate understanding of the characteristics of soil-crop heavy metal pollution in these areas is of great significance for ensuring food safety and promoting social sustainable development. Most of the existing studies rely on small-scale field monitoring, but research at the national level has not effectively captured the unique pollution dynamics of this urban-rural interface. Based on the published literature, the present study investigated the status of heavy metal pollution in the soil-crop system within China's urban-rural fringe through Meta-analysis. On this basis, the study evaluated the risks to human health associated with heavy metals in major crops in a given region. The results showed that heavy metals were accumulated in farmland soil in the urban-rural fringe of China, especially in Cd （Igeo = 0.89） pollution, and its distinct spatial heterogeneity patterns emerged. When considering different types of cultivated land, paddy fields and irrigated land exhibited a higher tendency of heavy metal accumulation. From the varying urbanization levels, the accumulation of heavy metals in soils of small and medium-sized cities was more obvious. For crops in the urban-rural fringe, Cd and Pb had the highest exceedance rate in rice （28.25% and 39.64%） and wheat （27.72% and 42.72%）. The health risk assessment results of heavy metals in crops showed that Cd was the main element that posed human health risks, which had some degree of non-carcinogenic risk and unacceptable carcinogenic risk to both children and adults.

A Visualisation of Cavite, Philippines’ Peri-urban Landscape Transformations through Morphogenetic Montage Clusters

Abstract The use of landscape character area-morphogenetic montage clusters (LCAr-MMCs) is part of the landscape character system for the PhD research project entitled, “Capturing the Dynamic Character of the Philippine Peri-urban Landscape: A Landscape Character System Approach for the Region of Cavite.” These LCAr-MMCs are visualisation clusters created to suggest a localised approach in characterisation that can fully utilize the attributes of the landscape as potential references for planning and management of landscape in the rural-urban interface. The LCAr-MMCs, as a visualisation tool, addressed the need to uncover interpretations of the intangible and temporal morphogenetic qualities of Cavite’s current peri-urban landscape. Finding a visualisation method that can express the landscape’s adaptation to changes caused by peri-urbanisation was important in future planning initiatives, and the LCAr-MMCs provided that by showcasing the changes and patterns of development in Cavite through an assemblage of written texts, images, and cartographic maps. Cavite’s LCAr-MMCs became sources of evidence of the waves of landscape change in this landscape region. LCAr-MMCs supplied a collage of anecdotes and images depicting the evolution of Cavite’s landscape throughout time. The four (4) landscape clusters resulting from this project also created manageable sets of information known as periods of landscape influences, which were organised in phases of landscape evolution. The LCAr-MMCs asserted the adaptive qualities of the peri-urban landscape as well as the temporality of its natural and cultural environment. These clusters eventually exhibited an evolutionary landscape character that gave rise to the peri-urban landscape we know today.

Desirable futures: Human-nature relationships in urban planning and design

This article explores conceptualizations of future relationships between humans and nature in urban planning, introducing the special issue33https://www.sciencedirect.com/special-issue/10ZCL2J6GTV. It initiates by examining how the future of human-nature relationships can be seen as a consequence of resilience, or lack thereof, to global challenges. The special issue explores distinct visions of what nature may mean in desirable futures, and its relations to humans. Preferable futures portray harmonious interactions between nature and humans, recognizing nature's intrinsic and relational values, as well as acknowledging its agency in the context of urban planning. Additionally, the evolving role of technology in shaping these desirable futures is a growing area of exploration, potentially challenging established definitions of nature and paving the way for the construction of new natures in prospective scenarios. Another facet of exploration is the spatial dimension of human-nature relationships. Articles investigate various contexts where these relationships may unfold, spanning from within cities to envisioning revised approaches at the urban-rural interface for a radical transformation of our connection to the natural world, including the consideration of distinct entities, such as mountains or non-urban territories, as potential focal points for evolving human-nature relationships. The special issue helps deepen our understanding of the intricate interplay between humans and nature in urban planning, exploring diverse visions of the future and the spatial dynamics where these relationships may manifest. By integrating these elements, the aim is to contribute to a more comprehensive and forward-thinking approach in urban planning that embraces sustainable and harmonious futures for both humans and the natural world.

Ideas for collaborative social participation for the protection of charismatic species of the genus Abronia (alligator lizards, alicante lizards, abronias, tree scorpions)

A proposal for social participation is offered for the conservation of some populations of the genus Abronia (alicantes, dragonets) in urban-rural interface areas.

A Reflection on the Implementation of a Waterfront Greenway from a Social–Ecological Perspective: A Case Study of Huangyan-Taizhou in China

In recent years, awareness has grown of the vital importance of ecological systems, provoking increased research into how to improve their resilience. Here, one popular new technical/management solution is the creation of greenways along riversides. In practice, however, the practical outcomes of such greenways have sometimes been disappointing due to an excessive focus on technical solutions at the expense of a sufficient consideration of the social impact. This study intends to reflect on the problem by looking at the dynamics of land use for ecosystem functions at the macro scale as well as the relationship between the implementation of greenways and the local demand for diverse everyday activities, in particular, recreation opportunities, at the micro scale. Based on this, it aims to reveal practical solutions to bridge ecological usages and everyday needs that achieve better preservation and services of ecosystems. Taking the greenways along the Yongning River (YRG), which runs through the urban–rural areas and the urban–rural interface of Huangyan-Taizhou, as a case study, GIS analysis and anthropology approaches were applied. The results show that the YRG has systematically improved the riparian ecosystems by better connecting the eco-land use and preserving the waterfront. At the same time, its ability to fulfil the large potential for leisure and recreation services needs to improve. Residents living in different parts of the city had disparate requirements depending on their patterns of daily behaviour. We conclude that the successful implementation of greenways in cities should not only consider technological and nature-based solutions but also consider the socio-cultural background. The diversity of local needs regarding everyday activities and recreation will lead to an equivalent diversity in riparian landscape design.

Enhancing Urban–Rural Integration in China: A Comparative Case Study of Introducing Small Rural Industries in Huangyan-Taizhou

Strengthening urban–rural linkages (URLs) has been proposed by UN-Habitat within the framework of ‘Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’ to narrow down urban–rural differences via shaping new urban–rural relationships. Like URL, the aim of urban–rural integration (URI) has been promoted by the Chinese government since 2019 to address existing urban–rural divides. This concept underlines the ‘rural revitalisation’ strategy and emphasises a two-way flow of urban–rural development factors. Introducing and upgrading ‘appropriate’ rural industries is crucial to stimulate and facilitate the circulation of urban–rural development factors. This research studied three neighbouring villages, situated in urban–rural interface areas in Huangyan-Taizhou, China, each driven by different types of small industries supported by URI. It analyses the impact of small rural industries on the flow of development factors between urban and rural areas. The results showed that small-scale rural industries have been enhanced URL by decreasing urban–rural differences by creating new job opportunities to attract an in-flow population, increasing investments, and upgrading public services and infrastructure. Indigenous industries demonstrated lower profitability but exhibited greater resilience compared to industries linked to global production chains and rural tourism. Thus, this study demonstrates the imperative to carefully consider the opportunities and potential risks associated with pursuing strategies of URI through rural industry development. By providing empirical insights from URI projects in China, this study contributes to theoretical and policy dialogues concerning the concepts of both URL and URI by exploring the localization of SDGs. Furthermore, it offers valuable practical knowledge and experience for other global regions confronting similar challenges to urban and rural development.

Integrating Risk-Conflict assessment for constructing and optimizing ecological security patterns of Polder landscape in the Urban-Rural fringe

Jianghan Plain is an important grain-producing area in China, and the transformation of the natural environment by the long-term polder activities of the people in this area has created a characteristic polder landscape. After 2000, urbanization has led to the destruction of ecosystems in these polder landscapes, especially in sensitive areas at the urban–rural interface. ESP can help mitigate this threat by systematically identifying and connecting ecologically significant areas to enhance ecosystem stability and sustainability. In this paper, taking Dongxihu Polder as an example, we apply multi-source remote sensing data to develop LER and LUC models. Combining these with MCR model, we construct an ESP for Dongxihu Polder. The study shows that (1) the growth of LER and LUC in Dongxihu Polder is characterized by “strong dynamics, high complexity and weak protection”, which is closely related to the urban expansion of the urban–rural boundary area; (2) Watersheds, woodlands, and farmlands play an important role in controlling LERs and LUCs, so we identified 33 ecologically important source areas that are mainly concentrated in these regions; (3) In this paper, 46 ecological strategic nodes and 16 ecological corridors were extracted to construct the Dongxihu Polder ESP of “one ring, five axes, multiple points and multiple chains”, and suggested specific optimization strategies. The study provides feasible ecological management policy recommendations for the protection as well as sustainable development of Dongxihu Polder.

The Synergistic Structure and Potential Development for Sustainable Ecosystem Services in Urban Areas along the Grand Canal: A Case Study of the Wuxi Segment

The Grand Canal possesses a unique ecosystem as one of the world cultural heritage sites. However, its ecological roles and services have been underemphasized in heritage conservation efforts, leading to environmental pollution and the degradation of its heritage value, especially in the highly urbanized southern Jiangsu section downstream. This study examines the synergy between regulating ecosystem services (RESs) and cultural ecosystem services (CESs) along the highly urbanized Wuxi section of the Grand Canal, as well as the environmental drivers influencing this relationship. The findings reveal that the synergy between CESs and RESs does not occur at the urban–rural interface but rather in areas 4-6 km away from the Central Business District (CBD). Certain drivers, such as floor area ratio (FAR) and plot ratio (PR), enhance both RES and CES within specific sections. Beyond riparian green belts, various low-density, dispersed, and well-vegetated lands could serve as significant contributors to future ecosystem service (ES) synergy. These conclusions further elucidate the spatial distribution of the heritage cultural services and other ES synergy along the Grand Canal, providing scientific support for broader improvements guiding the sustainable co-development in similar urbanized areas.

Exploring the Relationship between the Dynamics of the Urban–Rural Interface and Regional Development in a Post-Socialist Transition

This study offers, by an empirical analysis, another perspective on post-socialist development, highlighting the role of the urban–rural interface in regional dynamics. The current literature on the relationships between both issues is not too rich and our paper analyzes the relationships between core cities, their peri-urban areas, and their regions, through a comparative overview of their growth over the last three decades. Romania, as a special case study for a contradictory transition, due to the great step from a drastic dictatorial regime to a democracy and a market economy, is a good example to test these complex relationships. Considering the new development trend at the urban–rural interfaces, our key idea was to depict their contribution to regional development (NUTS 3) compared to city cores. The second question was how this differentiated contribution can be measured, using the simplest tool. The starting point was the fact that population dynamics reflect all changes in the city core and at the urban–rural interface, and less so at a regional level. Consequently, we selected the dynamics of the number of inhabitants for the first two, as well as the dynamics of GDP per capita at the regional level. We found higher and significant correlations between GDP per capita and urban–rural interfaces, but no significant correlations in the case of city cores. Our conclusion is that, in the transition period, the dynamics of urban–rural interfaces influenced more regional development dynamics, than those of city cores. This means that urban–rural interfaces amplify the development coming from cities, adding their own contribution and then dissipating it regionally. Future research should identify what the urban–rural interface offers to regions, in addition to the city core.

An Economic Analysis of Cropping Pattern, Marketing Chains and Food Security Status of Farm Households in Rural-Urban Interface of Bengaluru, India

The study was taken in rural-urban interface of Bangalore to examine the participation of households in different marketing chains and production diversification on food insecurity status among selected households. Herfindahl-Hirschman (HH) index was used to estimate the crop diversification in both north and south transect. To analyze the household food security status, Food Security Index (FSI) was employed. The results indicated that, south transect was more crop diversified than north transect and the food security status was also high in south transect compared to north transect, hence crop diversity is having positive influence on household food security status in the study area. Among the different crops cultivated in the study area, percentage of area under ragi was the highest followed by maize in both the transects. In case of both maize and ragi, majority of the farm households sold their produce in the regulated markets. But ragi producers realized higher price (Rs. 2350/q) in farmers market (producer to consumers) and maize producers realized higher price (Rs. 1550/q) in regulated markets. Food security can be enhance through crop diversification and better price realization can be achieved by encouraging to adopt direct marketing or selling farmers produce through regulated markets.

The Social Origins of Capital: Trajectories of Accumulation at the Rural–Urban Interface in Pakistani Punjab

Recent scholarship on class formation in South Asia has drawn attention to consequential processes of capital accumulation taking place in provincial towns and in the countryside. This “provincial capital” finds its genesis in the commercialisation of agriculture, is often smaller in scale than big capital, is rooted in the locality, depends more on informal than formal institutions, and holds diverse assets across the rural–urban divide. While the significance of this segment of capital is well established in the literature on India, it has hardly been investigated in Pakistan. In response to this dearth of studies, this article charts the “making of a provincial capitalist class” in two areas of the Pakistani Punjab. It traces the origins of this class in how the distinct landownership structures and caste composition of the two areas interacted with the commercialisation of agriculture in the colonial period. Yet their paths were by no means pre-determined as the exit of Hindu mercantile castes created a vacuum that was filled by peasant castes diversifying off-farm in one of these areas and large landlords and non-landed artisanal castes in the other. This highlights the widening of the social circle from which capital has emerged.

Influence of socio-demographic factors on medicinal plant knowledge among three selected ethnic groups in south-central Ethiopia

BackgroundThe influence of socio-demographic variables was widely explored to evaluate their impact on indigenous and local ethnobotanical knowledge. However, the studies conducted in Ethiopia mainly focused on rural areas. They were limited to exploring and documenting ethnobotanical knowledge and the associated impacts of socio-demographic variables in rural–urban interface areas among ethnic groups. Hence, this study aimed to document plant-based indigenous and local ethnomedicinal knowledge and the associated impacts of socio-demographic variables among selected three ethnic groups in south-central Ethiopia.MethodsEthnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 189 key informants, floristic species inventories, and field observations. Quantitative approaches were used to evaluate the use values (UV) of the most important medicinal plants, the informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL), relative popularity level (RPL), and rank-order priority (ROP). Statistical tests were applied to evaluate the influences of socio-demographic factors and associations between variables on local ethnobotanical knowledge across ethnic groups in different informant categories.ResultsStatistical analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the mean number of medicinal plants reported among age categories. There was also a positive association between the respondent's age and plant knowledge acquisition. Croton macrostachyus Hochst. ex Delile, Albizia gummifera C.A.Sm., Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Aloe macrocarpa Tod., Gymnanthemum amygdalinum (Delile) Sch.Bip., Calpurnia aurea (Aiton) Benth, and Allium sativum L. had the highest use values among ethnic groups. The highest informant consensus factor values were recorded for circulatory system disorders (0.68) followed by febrile illness and reproductive organ complications (0.66 each) across the three studied ethnic groups. The highest FL, RPL, and ROP values were noted for Lactuca inermis Forssk., Moringa stenopetala (Baker f.) Cufod., Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, Allium sativum L., Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck, Ricinus communis L., Schinus molle L., Antiaris toxicaria (J.F.Gmel.) Lesch., Brucea antidysenterica J.F.Mill., Echinops kebericho Mesfin, Ocimum jamesii Sebald, Afrocarpus falcatus (Thunb.) C.N.Page, Searsia natalensis (Bernh. ex Krauss) F.A.Barkley, and Ricinus communis L. across ethnic groups in the study areas, which showed the conformity of knowledge on species curing potential and their prevalent uses.ConclusionThe study revealed that the ethnic groups of Gedeo, Oromo, and Sidama have considerable indigenous and local ethnobotanical knowledge practices. Statistical analysis shown high variation in the acquisition of local ethnobotanical knowledge among age groups, which boosted our understanding of the effects of socio-demographic factors on the local ethnobotanical knowledge dynamics. Thus, this finding advocates for efforts to repair the observed generation gap via continued professional support and educating local communities to preserve traditional knowledge and practices through systematic documentation.

Differentiation of urban-rural interface and its driving mechanism: A case study of Nanjing, China

The urbanrural interface is the frontier of urban expansion and rural development. Understanding the differentiation and driving mechanism of the urbanrural interface could help policy-makers mitigate negative impacts of development and promote integration through proper planning. Taking Nanjing as an example, this study provides new insights into the different types of urbanrural interfaces and what drives their. differentiation. We first built a conceptual framework to hypothesize how the urbanrural interface was differentiated. Based on multiple datasets, a two-step classification method (random forest model and k-medoids) and the multinomial logistic regression (MLR) model were then introduced to identify different urbanrural interfaces and explore influencing factors, respectively. The results show that 341 communities/villages were identified as belonging to the urbanrural interface, with 37 communities/villages as urban-dominant, 128 communities/villages as intertwined, and 176 communities/villages as rural-dominant. Most mean values of land use, demographic, and socioeconomic characteristics decreased sequentially from urbandominant to intertwined and rural-dominant interfaces. MLR results indicated that transportation and economy were common drivers, while policy orientation, planning, and location accounted for the different urbanrural interfaces. In combination with the conceptual framework and additional investigations, this study concluded the driving mechanism of urban-rural interface differentiation in Nanjing. Specifically, the development of urban-dominant interface was mainly promoted by local governments; the development of intertwined interface was usually driven by complicated factors with the involvement of many stakeholders; policies facilitated by central/regional government accounted more for the development of rural-dominant interface. With the above analysis, this study further discussed the relationship between the urbanrural interface and planning system, and proposed differential development and management suggestions for the urban-rural interface.

Differences in enteric methane emissions across four dairy production systems in the urbanizing environment of an Indian megacity

Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are rapidly urbanizing, leading to a high demand for high-quality animal products. Production increase is seen as a key to meeting this demand and reducing the global environmental impact of low-yielding dairy production system (DPS) often found in LMICs. Therefore, the present study assesses the relationship between enteric methane emissions and different dairy production strategies, taking DPS in the rural–urban interface of Bengaluru, an Indian megacity, as a case study. Twenty-eight dairy farms, evenly distributed across four DPS, were monitored for 1 year (eight visits at 6-week intervals). Following IPCC 2006 guidelines and a Tier 2 approach, enteric methane emissions from dairy cattle were calculated as carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2 eq). Dairy producers in ExtDPS, an extensive DPS found throughout the rural–urban interface of Bengaluru, fed their dairy cattle a high-quality diet, partly based on organic wastes from markets or neighbors, achieving 9.4 kg energy-corrected milk (ECM) per cow and day. Dairy producers in Semi-ADPS, a semi-intensive and rural DPS, fed an average quality diet and achieved the lowest milk production (7.9 kg ECM cow−1 day−1; p &amp;lt; 0.05). Dairy producers in Semi-BDPS, another semi-intensive and rural DPS, relied on average quality but more abundant feedstuffs and achieved a production of 10.0 kg ECM cow−1 day−1. A similar milk yield (10.1 kg ECM cow−1 day−1) was achieved by IntDPS, an intensive and rural DPS. The intensity of enteric methane emissions was the highest in Semi-BDPS (1.38 kg CO2-eq kg−1 ECM; p &amp;lt; 0.05), lowest in ExtDPS (0.79 kg CO2-eq kg−1 ECM; p &amp;lt; 0.05), and intermediate in semi-ADPS and IntDPS. The results highlight the close relationship between the intensity of enteric methane emissions and the intensification strategies chosen by dairy producers based on locally available resources. They also underline the importance of region- and system-specific environmental assessments of production systems in LMICs.

How to define the wildland-urban interface? Methods and limitations: towards a unified protocol

In recent decades, the risk of Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) fires has increased due to urban growth, particularly in regions with a Mediterranean climate. The identification of the WUI is crucial for formulating fire prevention and management measures. However, there is no unified methodology for defining the WUI and it is not clear if proposals that emerge from scientific research are implemented by fire management agencies. Our objectives were to identify, describe, and compare the methods and criteria used by land and fire management agencies to define the WUI in Mediterranean-climate countries. We conducted a review of laws and fire prevention and management plans and protocols on the official websites of administrative bodies and agencies of the USA, Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, South Africa, Australia, Chile, and Argentina. Each document was read and analyzed and we conducted searches for the terminology used to name the WUI, the methodology and criteria used for defining the WUI, the fire prevention and management actions implemented in the WUI, the level of territorial organization and the responsible agencies for implementing the actions, and the presence of a methodology and a map at national scale. We found no consensus on the terminology for the WUI, the most common terms used being: wildland-urban interface, urban-rural interface, and urban-forest interface. With the exception of the USA and Portugal, there is no unified methodology at the national scale. We identified three general methods for defining the WUI: considering buffer distance for urban and vegetation areas (USA, Italy, Chile, South Africa), employing networks of strips (Spain, Portugal), and delineating risk-prone zones (Australia, France). All countries undertake fire prevention actions (e.g., fuel reduction and firebreak creation) often implemented at the municipal level. There is almost no interaction between academia and fire management agencies. Our review addresses the gap in the methods to define the WUI effectively implemented by fire management agencies. We highlight the need to implement actions aimed at enhancing the interaction between fire scientists and fire managers, which is essential for formulating and implementing effective strategies for fire prevention and optimizing resources.

Covid‐19 and agricultural labor supply: Evidence from the rural–urban interface of an Indian mega‐city

AbstractThis paper examines how India's national lockdown (March 25–May 31, 2020), in response to the spread of Covid‐19, affected the on‐farm family labor supply of 351 farm households in the rural–urban interface of Bangalore. We combine face‐to‐face survey data collected just before the start of the lockdown with phone survey data collected during the last 2 weeks of the lockdown. We find that 66% of farm households reduced their daily on‐farm family labor supply during the lockdown, by on average almost 40% compared with prelockdown levels. Changes in on‐farm family labor supply differed by key pre‐Covid‐19 household characteristics. Farm households that were engaged in crop marketing decreased their on‐farm family labor supply by an average of 3–4 h/day. In turn, farm households that relied on off‐farm income increased their on‐farm family labor supply by on average 3–4 h/day [EconLit Citations: J22, J43, Q12, Q13, Q54].

The Urban-Rural Interface: Recent Concepts and Changes. The Case of Buenos Aires

Abstract As the city advances on its hinterland, new concepts emerge to highlight the urban-rural relations that take place in the areas where the urban and the rural systems are articulated. This paper takes up different concepts and their characteristics as well as a comprehensive individualization of the Buenos Aires urban-rural interface (UR-I). The paper aims to characterize the UR-I of Buenos Aires through a qualitative methodology. The paper analyses some preliminary discussions that allow us to establish the emergence of new logics of localization and shaping of the industries and logistics centres, large leisure and consumption facilities and the new ways of living, as well as the issue of the productive Buenos Aires UR- I, and invites us to review the territorial processes, the actors and the underlying factors in Buenos Aires.

Mapeamento de atores para o ordenamento de interfaces urbano-rurais em terras secas

Stakeholder mapping is used as a tool to identify social relations and develop management strategies, but its inclusion in land-use planning has not yet acquired relevance. This article reflects on the usefulness of this technique to express the multi-actor nature that characterizes urban-rural interface territories and to elaborate linkage proposals that facilitate the implementation and sustainability of alternative territorial projects. It is argued that identifying the heterogeneity of actors is fundamental to think of strategies to mitigate the environmental impacts of urban encroachment on rural and natural areas, while an intermunicipal territory of urban-rural interface of the San Juan Metropolitan Area is presented as a case study. The results include the individualization of the general scheme of alliances and coalitions among actors, the clarification of the channels of influence among them and the visibility of the spaces of power in which they participate. The identification of the relational system of actors in interface territories through mapping is useful in the design of public policies aimed at mitigating urbanization processes in rural and natural areas.

Contribuções metodológicas ao estudo de cinturões verdes de oasis em Mendoza, Argentina

The study and understanding of the underlying dynamics of agrarian spaces is fundamental for any policy that seeks to optimize territory planning. This research analizes the dynamics of periurban agrarian spaces in irrigation oasis contexts and attempts to provide a theorical-methodological framework to study the rural-urban interface from sociological perspective. The case analyzed – the agrarian expantion in a rural distrit of Mendoza’s green belt- is an instrumental case for this work’s purpose. As contributions of this work, it is the perspective on the situated agrifood systems, the triad structure-agency-territory and the territorial approach of rural development. The results of the investigation help to claim the active character of the rural in the current supremacy of the cities growth.