This background paper to The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2023 discusses the dynamics and drivers of urbanization, the associated changes in agrifood systems and the corresponding risks and opportunities to ensuring access to affordable healthy diets for all. The paper is based on a systematic review and meta-analysis of evidence from scientific papers and informed by new analyses conducted for the 2023 edition of The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World. A conceptual framework is presented for understanding the different pathways through which urbanization is driving changes in agrifood systems across the rural–urban continuum, and is, in turn, affecting access to affordable healthy diets.

Year of publication | |
Authors | |
Geographic coverage | Global |
Originally published | 22 Jan 2024 |
Related organisation(s) | FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations |
Knowledge service | Metadata | Global Food and Nutrition Security | NutritionSustainable Food Systems | Food systems transformationAccess to foodHealthy diet |
Digital Europa Thesaurus (DET) | Impact Assessmentfood securityurbanisation |