This paper provides, an overview of nutrition and the urban–rural continuum, including how this relates to integrated territorial governance and development. The discussion is then situated in the context of the global development agenda, particularly initiatives dealing with nutrition, urban settlements and urban–rural linkages. The paper also explores how the Guiding Principles for Urban–Rural Linkages (URL-GP) and Framework for Action (FfA), developed by UN-Habitat, relate to nutrition actions. Recognizing that urban-rural linkages are mediated by other systems and factors, and that experiences with applying a territorial approach to nutrition policies and programs are still limited, the paper concludes by outlining initial steps towards promoting more integrated territorial planning for nutrition. It, furthermore, encourages further thinking, initiatives and research in this direction.

Note: This publication was developed under the auspices of the United Nations System Standing Committee on Nutrition (UNSCN), one of the precursors to UN-Nutrition.