The aim of the workshop is to showcase the research findings from the SASUF Project (2018-2020) on ‘Spatial challenges from peri-urban expansion of small rural towns in South Africa’. The research targets current urbanization trends in South Africa’s marginalized peri-urban areas of small rural towns where the demand for services such as housing, water, sanitation, electricity, schools, health clinics, work opportunities, and transport facilities is rapidly growing. In addition, the ecosystem services and benefits derived from the ecological functions of the natural ecosystems are also discussed. These services are crucial for well-being of people, and development planning for peri-urban zones of small rural towns more generally. In the workshop, the findings from cases studies of Makhado Biaba and other small rural towns in South Africa are presented and analyzed. The best practices on similar experiences from Sweden are also showcased. Keywords: small rural towns, peri-urban, spatial, livelihoods, public & ecosystems services.
- Moderators: Trynos Gumbos, Univ of Johannesburg and, Marie Thynell, Univ of Gothenburg,
- An overview of the project and, peri-urban areas and small rural towns in South Africa; and methodology used to collect data: Emaculate Ingwani and Per Schubert
- Ecosystem services and benefits derived from the ecological functions of the natural ecosystems – a Swedish perspective: Nils Ekelund
- TOD, Transit Oriented Development - Verna Nel
- The impacts of peri-urban expansion and municipal service provision: Experiences from Makhado Biaba Town: Luminosa Rutendo Gurure
- Livelihoods pathways in peri-urban zones of small rural towns: Experiences from Makhado Biaba Town: Shonisani Felicia Phaswana
- Rethinking the growth centers strategy as key to local economic development: Lessons from Makhado Biaba Town: Winny Ngudo Nthange
