Water transport and development in a rural context: the case of the Grand-Lahou region in Ivory Coast.

Abstract

This study forms part of the Waterways and Livelihoods research project that was implemented in 10 countries across Asia, Latin America and Africa. In the Ivory Coast the study area is the Grand-Lahou region, situated in a rural environment with waterways used both for fishing and navigation. Agriculture is an important activity in this region and one in which the majority of the population are employed. Water transport plays a vital role due to the isolated nature of the region and the importance of its relationship with Abidjan, the main consumer centre.

The study highlights the advantages and limitations of the area studied. It also

demonstrates how water transport functions, the imbalance in supply and demand for transport that gives rise to a need for additional and more suitable means of transport, and the strategies for the development of water transport that have been adopted by different actors. Water transport is a tradition in the Grand-Lahou region that should be preserved in a way

that takes into account the region's evolving socio-economic realities.

Citation

Aka Kouadio Akou. Water transport and development in a rural context: the case of the Grand-Lahou region in Ivory Coast. (2004)

Water transport and development in a rural context: the case of the Grand-Lahou region in Ivory Coast.

Updates to this page

Published 1 January 2004