Regional Balanced Urbanization for Inclusive Cities Development: Urban–Rural Poverty Linkages in Secondary Cities Development in Southeast Asia

The impact of urbanization on growth and equality, and on urban and rural poverty are well-documented but do not discuss alternative models of urbanization. While the relationship between urbanization and growth (and poverty reduction in general) is often well-established, less is discussed about the forms and causes of newly emerging urban poverty and exclusion, and how they differ for different city sizes. This paper analyzes the potential for poverty reduction with balanced regional urbanization through the development of second-tier cities and secondary towns in Southeast Asia. It discusses the spatial growth patterns that have an impact on sustainable development and urban–rural poverty linkages and suggests policy options and actions for urban–rural integration and sustainable urbanization. It proposes strategies for sustainable urban development through a regional balanced development approach using different urban growth models to reduce spatial disparities and optimize cross-sector synergies.