Rural development in Africa usually takes place on two broad fronts, i.e. ‘grass-roots’ projects and major or big projects. The latter range from massive resettlement schemes such as the Akosomba Scheme (Volta River Project) to smaller scale projects generally aimed at improving agriculture. These larger projects have in the past been the main focus of international aid and development organizations. A number of larger projects have come into operation; the author discusses successively the Leribo Pilot Project, the Khomokhoana Project, and the Thaba Bosiu Rural Development Project. The question remains as to whether the large projects offer the most effective approach to the problem of developing stagnating rural areas, bearing in mind the substantial aggregate sums of money involved and the expertise required. They can undoubtedly be successful as a short term method of raising productivity within a selected area. Map.
