2.2 Demographic development
In 1968 population density in South-west C6te d'Ivoire was estimated at 3
persons km -2 [Ruf 1984]. This figure includes the population in villages and
semi-urban centres in the region. Only the fringes of the area were inhabited
at that time.
This pristine situation in terms of human presence has been altered in
about a decade. In 1983, according to Ruf population density had increased
to 12.3 persons per km 2, 10 of which were either immigrants from Central
C6te d'Ivoire or people from other nationalities (Burkina, Mali). The
Baoul6 formed a majority in the migration flux.
Major factors which accelerated migration into the Ta~ area are:
-- the infrastructure created by logging companies provided easy access to
farmers in search of land,
-- the construction of the dam near Kossou, Central C6te d'Ivoire, led to
a huge artificial lake in the heart of Baoul+ land, and forced the population
affected to search for a new homestead,
-- favourable prices for coffee and cocoa in the 1970s resulted in a boom
in smallholder plantation development. This development was
stimulated by a decree from the government that made proprietor all
people who actually cultivated land.
In 1980-81 the increase in the influx of immigrants from the north came
to a halt, the main reason being that the autochthonous tribes, with support
from the government, have become more reluctant to allocate land.