Impacts and perspectives of the COVID-19 pandemic on urban-rural linkages in Rwanda

Abstract

Marketplaces are regarded as essential public spaces, providing not only access to fresh produce but also functioning as important social infrastructures. Marketplaces also strengthen urban-rural linkages, and their functioning is important for the livelihoods of urban and rural dwellers. However, many marketplaces closed down or had to adhere to various restrictions in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. This paper provides an assessment of the impacts and perspectives of the COVID-19 pandemic on urban-rural linkages in the Musanze District in Rwanda. In addition, the study presents policy measures in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic that the Government of Rwanda put in place in 2020 that impacted the urban-rural flow of people and goods, with severe implications for market vendors’ livelihoods. This paper also answers on how have COVID-19 related policy reactions in Rwanda influenced urban-rural linkages, learning from Musanze District. Combining research conducted at markets in the Musanze District before and during the COVID-19 pandemic movement restrictions, this paper provides recommendations on market infrastructure upgrades necessary for markets to become more resilient and better functioning in preparation for any new public health crisis occurring.