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Economic Activity and Conflict (i) Name one example of how the development of economic activities and the exploitation of natural resources can lead to conflict arising between people - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C - 2016
Question C
Economic Activity and Conflict (i) Name one example of how the development of economic activities and the exploitation of natural resources can lead to conflict ari... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Economic Activity and Conflict (i) Name one example of how the development of economic activities and the exploitation of natural resources can lead to conflict arising between people - Leaving Cert Geography - Question C - 2016
Step 1
Name one example of how the development of economic activities and the exploitation of natural resources can lead to conflict arising between people.
Answer
One significant example is the extraction of oil resources in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. The economic activity surrounding oil extraction has led to conflicts between local communities and multinational oil companies, as well as the Nigerian government.
Step 2
Describe and explain this conflict.
Answer
The conflict in the Niger Delta can be traced back to several key issues:
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Environmental Degradation: Oil spills and gas flaring have caused significant environmental damage, harming the local ecosystems and livelihoods that rely on fishing and agriculture.
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Economic Inequality: Despite the wealth generated from oil, local communities often see little financial benefit. This disparity has fueled resentment towards oil companies and the government, which are perceived to prioritize profit over local welfare.
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Loss of Land and Resources: The establishment of oil drilling sites has led to the displacement of communities and loss of access to vital land and water resources, further exacerbating tensions.
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Militant Groups: In response to grievances, various militant groups have emerged, seeking to disrupt oil production to demand fairer compensation and environmental reparations. This has resulted in violence, kidnappings, and attacks on oil infrastructure.
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Government Inaction: The lack of effective government intervention to address the needs and rights of the local population has perpetuated the cycle of conflict.
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Corruption: Corruption within the government and among oil companies has led to misallocation of resources that should benefit local communities.
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Cultural Conflict: The influx of external actors into the region has also led to cultural tensions, as traditional ways of life are threatened by modern economic activities.
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Global Market Trends: Fluctuations in global oil prices can exacerbate tensions, leading to desperation among communities struggling to survive amidst economic volatility.
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Negotiation Failures: Efforts to negotiate with local communities have often been inadequate or insincere, leading to further distrust.
These factors collectively illustrate how the development of economic activities, particularly in resource-rich areas, can lead to complex conflicts among stakeholders.