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Rural-urban fringe: competition for space and various land uses, environmental concerns and public policies

FRANGUR
Economic, social and environmental constraints require authorities to control the urban sprawl which has modified the spatial structure around cities since the 50s. And so appeared rural-urban fringes, where land is used for a mix of commercial, residential and agricultural activities. Cultivated land in these areas are under constant pressure from urbanization, driving farmers to adapt either by selling their lands and settle elsewhere, or by shifting to a higher value added production. Furthermore, growing environmental concerns cause a change in the behavior of households and farmers, namely in choosing where to set up their farm or where to live. This thesis will aim to gain knowledge on new land uses by analyzing the determining factors of these land uses. This will enable us to better approach the public policy issues related to protecting these sensitive agricultural lands on the urban fringe.