Hidden livelihoods? Natural resource-dependent livelihoods and urban development policy.

Natural resources and their contribution to livelihoods have been widely explored within rural contexts yet have received relatively little attention within urban contexts. However, natural resources can contribute significantly, if modestly, to urban livelihoods in a number of often 'hidden' ways. This paper explores these 'hidden' livelihoods using livelihoods frameworks to enhance our understanding of the dynamics of urban-based natural resource-related livelihoods, drawing principally on examples from southern Africa. The aim of the paper is to provide a better appreciation of ways in which urban natural resources are used to support urban livelihoods; to enhance understanding of the systems that govern access or tenure over these resources; and to encourage creative and innovative thinking about urban livelihoods and options for urban development policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]