periurbana

Periurbana is a term used in Spanish and Portuguese to describe the peri-urban area around a city. It is the transitional space between the urban core and the rural hinterland, where land use, demographics, and governance are in flux. It is characterized by a mix of housing, small-scale commerce, industrial facilities, agriculture, and increasingly informal settlements. The area often lacks clearly defined jurisdiction, leading to overlapping responsibilities among municipalities and regional authorities.

The drivers include urban expansion, population growth, housing demand, and economic changes. Land conversion from agricultural to residential or commercial uses is common, frequently on previously rural plots or on land with limited planning controls. Infrastructure and public services such as water, sewer, roads, schools, and health facilities can lag behind the rapid change, creating service gaps and vulnerabilities.

Environmental impacts are notable, including fragmentation of ecosystems, loss of farmland, soil sealing, increased flood risk, and pressure on water resources. Socially, peri-urban zones can host a mix of low- to middle-income residents, migrants, and agricultural workers; informal housing and land-tenure insecurity may be prevalent.

Policy implications emphasize integrated planning that links urban and rural needs, coordinated governance across jurisdictions, and investments in infrastructure and service provision. Approaches include urban containment, green belts, promotion of productive landscapes, and mobility strategies to connect residents with urban centers.