ABSTRACT
The riparian communities of the Lower Volta in 1954 were economically static, geographically remote and, in some areas, only on the fringe of a cash economy. A major reason for the static nature of the economy in 1954 was the low level of communications. The riparian population living between Tefle and Amedica depended almost entirely on canoe transport on the river. The main motivators of growth have arisen from sources outside the indigenous rural economy, mainly from government investment. Investments from external sources have had considerable multiplier effects on the rural economy. Investment in infrastructure, social services, etc. in the Lower Volta not only created new full time wage employments but also enabled those employed in traditional occupations as farmers and fishermen to take part time and temporary employment. This has enabled individuals and households to have a greater diversity in sources of income. Such diversity in occupations has many advantages.
