A century of development measures and population redistribution along the Upper Zambezi
Wood, A.P.
Population and development projects in Africa,: 163-175
1985
Document Number: 417348
The paper focuses on the impact upon population redistribution of development measures, introduced by the pre-colonial, colonial and independent administrations in the Upper Zambezi flood plain of Zambia and its margins. The history of the region is presented as exemplifying the way in which development measures may directly and indirectly influence population distribution. It is shown how, since Independence in 1964, the rate of population movement to the margin has increased. With the continuing provision of services along the edge of the plain and the worsening of flood conditions as the canal maintenance brigades remain understaffed, there is thought to be little prospect of a reversal of the abandonment of the flood plain. Increased accumulation of possessions will reinforce the desire for the end of transhumance and the establishment of permanent homes at the edge of the plain where flood damage does not occur. The gardens in the plain with the richest soils in this area will continue to fall out of use while the poor sandy forest gardens on which cassava is the main crop will grow in importance.