This book is the culmination of thirteen years of research in the field of archaeology as it relates to major works in Côte d'Ivoire. It first attempts to understand the organisation and functioning of Ivorian archaeological research from the first finds at the beginning of the 20th century to the present day. Then, on the basis of extensive documentation on the destruction of sites, it calls for the establishment of preventive archaeology as an alternative to "protect through study" the sites threatened with destruction by major works in Côte d'Ivoire. This "White Paper" on archaeology in Côte d'Ivoire is also intended as a handbook for policy makers, archaeologists, students and cultural heritage professionals in sub-Saharan Africa.