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There has been considerable research over the years regarding the relationship between natural resource abundance and economic growth, yet much less is known about the link between natural resource abundance and prevalence of poverty. This thesis examines the question of whether mineral resource rents have helped to reduce poverty rates in countries with an extensive mineral base in a cross country case study analysis involving Botswana, Nigeria, Zambia, Bolivia, Chile, and Venezuela. The link between mineral rents and poverty is studied in the context of four major mechanisms; (1) the redistribution of resources across sectors of the economy (‘Dutch Disease’), (2) the distribution of rents between the domestic country with the natural resources and foreign extraction firms, (3) the allocation of resources among citizens, and (4) the reallocation of rents over time (for precautionary saving). While none of the countries have achieved substantial economic diversification, Chile emerges as the best performer in this case study. Chile has utilized its extensive mineral base to achieve strong economic growth as well as significant poverty reduction. Facilitating an encouraging private investment climate or a mix of public and private ownership that does not sacrifice productivity and efficiency seems to work in appropriating a stable and fair share of mineral rents. Rents that are prudently invested in the domestic economy, in foreign assets for precautionary saving, and in targeted policies designed to redistribute resources more equally among citizens can significantly reduce poverty, and increase social and economic development.

The objective of this thesis is to test and analyze the proposition of whether and to what extent natural resource interests have been fundamental in either causing, fueling or prolonging civil wars in Africa. The study focuses on examples from the Liberian (1989-96 and 1999-2003) and Sierra Leonean civil (1991-2002) to better understand the workings of armed rebellion and the role of natural resources. These two conflict situations were chosen because of their international/transnational contexts and because of the large number of actors involved in either their management or resolution- (UN, ECOWAS, NGOs, and other International Non-Governmental Organizations). More importantly both nations are resource rich. This study examines closely the relationship between the management of natural resources (with focus on lootable natural resources) and armed conflicts and makes policy recommendations aimed at reducing the risk of resource-related violent conflicts.

Thesis (M. Env. St.)--University of Adelaide, Mawson Graduate Centre for Environmental Studies, 1992. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 79-89).

Thesis (Ph.D. - Renewable Natural Resources)--University of Arizona. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 200-203).

Thesis (M.S.)--Oregon State University, 1989. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the World Wide Web.

Thesis (M.A.). / Written for the Departement de géographie. Title from title page of PDF (viewed 2008/07/24). Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Montana, 2008. / Title from title screen. Description based on contents viewed May 12, 2009. Includes bibliographical references (p. 131-134).