This volume investigates the socio-economic drivers and demographic consequences of internal and international migration patterns within Western Africa during the early 1970s. Samir Amin, a prominent political economist, curates these studies to analyze how colonial legacies and emerging post-colonial economic structures influenced labor mobility. The text synthesizes research presented at the eleventh International African Seminar to provide a comprehensive overview of regional population shifts and their impact on urban and rural development.

Experts recognize this collection as a foundational academic resource for understanding the historical context of West African migration. Scholars frequently cite the work for its rigorous data collection and the diverse perspectives provided by the seminar participants.