Urban Food Security in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Literature Review of Challenges, Determinants, and Future Research Directions

Urban food security has become a critical sustainable development issue as rapid urbanisation, economic inequality, and increasing dependence on market-based food systems continue to expose urban populations to food insecurity, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite growing scholarly attention, existing evidence remains fragmented across multiple disciplines, limiting a comprehensive understanding of the determinants, challenges, and policy responses associated with urban food security. This study systematically reviews recent empirical evidence on urban food security in LMICs using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) framework. A systematic search of Scopus and Web of Science identified 204 records, of which 17 empirical studies published between 2021 and 2024 met the inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis. The findings reveal six interconnected themes: household food security; food accessibility and affordability; urban agriculture; urban food environment; food governance and policy; and household coping strategies. Household income, employment stability, food prices, rapid urbanisation, and dependence on market-based food systems consistently emerged as the principal determinants of urban food security. The review also highlights the significant contributions of urban agriculture, informal food systems, effective governance, and social protection programmes in strengthening household resilience. However, fragmented governance, socioeconomic inequalities, and unplanned urban expansion continue to constrain sustainable urban food systems. The study concludes that improving urban food security requires integrated, multisectoral policy approaches that combine urban planning, poverty reduction, employment generation, social protection, sustainable food systems, and inclusive governance. By synthesising contemporary empirical evidence, this review contributes to the literature by providing a comprehensive understanding of urban food security in LMICs and offers practical recommendations and future research directions for developing resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban food systems.

Urban food security; food insecurity; low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); urbanisation

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