The importance of food systems for food security cannot be overemphasized. Food security is diminished when food systems are stressed, especially by such factors as climate change and unregulated urbanization. Rural and urban food systems are highly interlinked, and processes in one system can positively or negatively affect livelihood situations on both sides. Food systems largely underpin rural-urban interdependence. This paper develops a framework that details the undercurrents of rural-urban interdependence in food systems. It highlights the vulnerability of livelihood and food systems in the face of climate change, especially in developing economies like Nigeria where over 70% of the population depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. It is hoped that information from this paper will inform development programmers in both rural and urban areas to recognize, better appreciate, and consider the interdependence of the two divides in their activities, especially with the looming climatic change. In addition, research in rural-urban interdependence will become better focused through exploration of characteristics, linkage systems, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Above all, this paper can provide a basis for identifying practical means of improving the food security and adaptive capacity of farmers in the face of climate change.