But the urban environment is more complex and diverse, they say. Consumer food prices and the ability to earn a cash income are, therefore, much more important in cities. Because they work at jobs in diverse sectors, the health of the overall economy is more important to urban dwellers than the health of domestic agriculture, while the security of almost all rural people is tied to agriculture. Having secure housing is crucially important to the livelihood of urban dwellers. Their home is often the base for household enterprises and a foundation for an entire network of social support.
Eviction threatens the mechanisms by which the poor survive in cities.
They may have only a few tomato plants or a small animal, but these can add nutrients to their diets and cash to their incomes. Many women work long hours in the streets or in factories, which makes it hard for them to prepare food and care for children. At the same time the money they earn helps to meet the children s needs. The nutritional status of city children depends on how well families, especially women, balance demands on their time. The typical urban diet is different from that consumed by rural families.