Abstract: This study examines how differential accessibility to regional markets and natural resources affects smallholder livelihoods in the northeastern Peruvian Amazon, particularly in terms of household income diversification or specialization. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods were applied to semi-structured smallholder household (N = 319) and community leader interview data collected in 40 communities in 2006-2007, in addition to change detection performed on Landsat satellite imagery (1987, 1993, and 2001). First, the dissertation explores changes in smallholder land use patterns across the study region during a period of profound macroeconomic changes and continual urbanization, finding that overall land use trends of agricultural abandonment reflected national reductions in agrarian subsidies. Second, based on interview data, household processes of income diversification and specialization were analyzed in two sections of the study area, the Itaya and Nanay basins. In the Itaya Basin, it was observed that smallholder livelihood specialization was aided by road development increasing transportation accessibility to important regional markets. In the more isolated Nanay Basin, livelihood choices were found to be influenced by processes of livelihood displacement caused by conservation efforts, in addition to remoteness and river seasonality. This study concludes by reflecting on the importance of the spatial relations of access to resources and markets in the region and in similar places in the developing tropics. This kind of information can help make national and regional policy decisions on such issues such as conservation, agrarian credits, road development, which may differentially affect smallholder livelihoods and their environments. / text

Cette étude est fondée sur le fait que la croissance urbaine a accru les niveaux d'interaction entre le rural et l'urbain dans les pays en voie de développement. Ces interactions jouent un rôle significatif dans l'amélioration des moyens d'existence, en particulier pour les banlieusards. L'objectif général de cette étude est d'analyser cet état de fait. L'étude contribue à la compréhension des moyens d'exitence à travaers les frontières spatiales et sectorielles. L'étude examine les formes d'activités, cherchant à définir l'influence des facteurs politiques et des stratégies des ménages. L'étude a été menée dans la région de Bugisu à l'est de l'Ouganda et couvre cinq districts du "grand" Mbale : Mbale, Manafa, Budduda et Sironko. L'étude a mobilisé des méthodes de collecte d'information et d'analyse à la fois qualitative et quantitative. Parmi les principales conclusions, on constate que le Bugisu rural a des liens plus importants avec les centres urbains. La ville de Mbale, une des plus vieilles villes de la région, sert de hub au Bugisu concentrant 69% des activités de navette, qui dans la région, sont fortement influencées par la pression sur la terre, les conditions du marché, les relations de voisinage, la capacité des ménages et les différents moyens accessibles aux banlieusards, ainsi que l'augmentation de la pauvreté dans les zones rurales. Une politique délibérée devrait être mise en place pour soutenir les conditions d'existence des populations et réduire le coût du business. / This study is premised on the understanding that rising trends of urbanisation have led to increasing levels of interactionsbetween rural and urban settings and vice versa across the developing world. It is also envisioned that, rural-urban interactions play a significant role in supporting livelihoods especially of commuters. The overall objective of the study was to analyse the role of rural-urban interactions in supporting livelihoods of the commuters in Bugisu region. The study contributes to the understanding of livelihoods across spatial and sectoral boundaries looking at the synergistic coexistencefound between rural and urban and urban and rural settings. The study examined patterns of interaction and commuting activities in Bugisu region, looking at the influence of policy factors on commuting activities and commuter livelihoods strategies. The key concern was to establish a “fit” between rural-urban interaction and their potential for sustainable livelihoods. This study was conducted in Bugisu region, eastern Uganda covering the five districts of the then greater Mbale namely; Mbale, Manafa, Budduda and Sironko. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis.In examining patterns of interaction and commuting activities in Bugisu, the studynotes that rural Bugisu relates more closely with its urban centres. Mbale town, one of the oldest towns in the region serves as the hub of Bugisu region with, 69% of commuting activities in the area centred in it.