one problem facing the economic integration of countries in west Africa is the

Analyze the question: The question asks for a problem (obstacle) facing economic integration among West African countries, such as ECOWAS and the proposed monetary union.

Concept: Economic integration means countries join together to reduce trade barriers and coordinate economic policies. It works best when members are at similar levels of development, so that benefits are shared fairly. Common obstacles in West Africa include:

• Uneven levels of development and unequal sharing of benefits
• Poor transport and communication links
• Political instability
• Differences in colonial heritage, language and currency
• Similar (competing) products, so little trade among members
• Fear of losing sovereignty

Evaluating the options:

• A. Presence of large and developed market: This would help integration, not hinder it. West African markets are generally small and underdeveloped. ❌
• B. Uneven development among West African countries: Countries like Nigeria and Ghana are more advanced than Niger or Guinea-Bissau. Stronger economies fear being drained and weaker ones fear being dominated, which creates disputes over how benefits and costs are shared. This is a genuine problem. ✅
• C. Existence of different central banks: Every sovereign country has its own central bank, and this is normal. It is not in itself the major problem. Differences in currencies and monetary policies matter more, but the option as worded is weaker than B. ❌
• D. Failure of labour to move freely (the option appears to be garbled, likely "failure/inability of labour to move freely"): The wording is unclear. Free movement of labour is actually a goal of ECOWAS, and its absence is more a symptom than a root problem. ❌

Answer: The best choice is B, uneven development among West African countries.

Exam tip: For "problems of integration" questions, look for words like uneven, unequal, different, unstable, or poor. Options describing something beneficial (like a "large, developed market") are usually distractors. Also remember that Option D's wording is faulty, so read carefully and don't be misled by incomplete phrasing.