ABSTRACT
Demographic data indicate that urban areas are growing more rapidly than rural areas in the whole of West Africa. While this tendency is especially pronounced in some of the coastal countries, the same phenomenon can be observed in the interior. This urban growth is the result of two factors: the natural increase in the present and expanding urban population, and in-migration to the cities from rural areas. The second factor accounts for most of the difference between rates of urban population growth and rates of rural population growth. The chapter presents a brief discussion of urbanization and development in Upper Volta provides some support for these assertions. These data are incomplete and are being supplemented by research under way in Upper Volta and Niger. The developmental strategy in Upper Volta is in the process of being redefined by a new plan, which is due to take effect in 1972.
