Managing the urban-rural transition: A review of approaches and policies for peri-urban land use

Peri-urban areas (PUAs) represent dynamic transition zones where urban expansion, rural livelihoods, and environmental sustainability intersect, posing complex land use management challenges. While effective land use management in these regions is vital for fostering sustainable urban growth, it remains one of the most difficult tasks for planners and policymakers. This systematic review synthesizes findings from 137 studies published over the past 25 years, employing bibliometric analysis, systematic review methodologies, and qualitative content analysis to trace the evolution of land use approaches and policies, assess policy effectiveness, and identify future research directions. The review reveals a clear shift from rigid, top-down planning models toward more adaptive, resilience-oriented approaches. However, significant challenges persist, including fragmented governance, tenure insecurity, and exclusionary planning practices, which have contributed to informal expansion, land speculation, and the marginalization of vulnerable groups—particularly informal settlers and smallholders. A persistent gap between policy formulation and implementation is also identified, driven by inflexible regulatory frameworks, weak institutional coordination, and limited environmental and equity considerations. To address these challenges, future land use approaches must embrace multi-scalar governance, inclusive and participatory planning, and the integration of emerging technologies such as geospatial analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) for improved monitoring and decision-making. Expanding interdisciplinary collaboration and incorporating diverse regional perspectives are essential to advancing more equitable, context-sensitive, and sustainable land use governance in PUAs. This review offers both theoretical insights and actionable recommendations for managing the growing complexity of urban–rural transitions. • This systematic review synthesizes 137 studies on peri-urban land use over the past 25 years. • The review identifies shift from rigid planning to adaptive, resilience-based land use strategies. • A persistent gap between academic research and policy implementation. • Stronger participatory governance is key to sustainable land management.