Why is natural resource exploitation not yielding greater benefits to the poor economies of Africa, Asia and Latin America? This book's historical review of resource use and development examines current theories explaining under-performance of today's resource-abundant economies. After developing models to analyze the key economic factors underlying land expansion and water use in developing countries, Edward Barbier explores their resource dependency, rural poverty and resource degradation and proposes reforms for successful resource-based development.
Contents
Preface; 1. Natural resources and developing countries: an overview; 2. Natural resource-based economic development in history; 3. Does natural resource dependence hinder economic development?; 4. Frontier expansion and economic development; 5. Explaining land use change in developing countries; 6. The economics of land conversion; 7. Does water availability constrain economic development?; 8. Rural poverty and resource degradation; 9. Can frontier-based development be successful?; 10. Policies for sustainable resource-based development in poor economies.
Review
The book also provides a well-rounded presentation of the topic and cites important references for further study. This volume would serve as an excellent advanced undergraduate or graduate text for an environmental economics/economic development class. Highly recommended.
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