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Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Originally a coastal fishing village, Abidjan was settled by by
French colonists at the turn of the century and by 1934 it had
been designated the capital of Côte d'Ivoire. Two decades later,
Abidjan welcomed the completion of the Vridi Canal which
connected the city on the lagoon to the Atlantic Ocean, and
secured Abidjan's place as a commercial and trading centre. This
new economic opportunity also sparked a surge in population
from 17,000 in 1934 to 59,000 in 1950.
A middle income developing country, Côte d’Ivoire has achieved
growth as a result of the high prices of its main export crops:
coffee, cocoa, and timber. However, a global decline in the
prices of these crops and the severe drought of 1982-1984 sent
the economy into shock. This agriculturally-dependent economy
has made some efforts to diversify, yet 75% of the export
earnings continue to employ 60% of the workforce.
Unlike many other African cities, the 2.8 million inhabitants
of Abidjan have benefited from an urban master plan.
Nonetheless, the thriving economy of this modern city has been
overwhelmed by in-migration from rural areas and less
prosperous neighboring countries.
Most of Abidjan has a well-developed network of roads that are
generally in good condition, including a strong public
transportation system and a modern airport. However, despite
government efforts, housing remains a critical problem in
Abidjan, with an estimated 200,000 additional people needing
housing each year.
The city is located on the top of a large and deep aquifer
which has provided Abidjan with a adequate water supply system.
However, the Ebrie Lagoon is becoming increasingly polluted due
to discharge of industrial effluents and the pumping of organic
sewage. While Abidjan is considered to have the best sewage and
drainage system in West Africa, the system has not kept pace with
the city’s growth.
Despite the total increase in health standards which have
resulted in longer life expectancy and lower infant mortality,
Abidjan is plagued with numerous health problems, namely guinea-
worm and diarrheal diseases (a direct result of a poor sewage
system), respiratory infections, measles and malnutrition.
There is also a growing concern over acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome (AIDS).
In a further attempt to reduce pressure on Abidjan, a programme
of political decentralization was begun in the early 1980’s. It
included the creation of a network of medium-sized towns to help
attract young people away from cities. It also led to the 1983
decision to relocate the capital of Côte d’Ivoire to
Yamoussoukrou. Although no longer serving as the nation’s
capital, Abidjan remains Côte d’Ivoire’s cultural and
commercial hub.
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