African Urban Sociology (Planning/Social) | 21 March 2004
Natural Resource Extraction and Political Economies in Central African Nigeria, 2004 CE
F, e, l, i, x, O, n, y, e, d, i, k, a, m, w, i, n, w, a
Abstract
Central African Nigeria is a region rich in natural resources such as oil, gas, and minerals, which have played significant roles in the country's economy and politics. The research employs participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and archival data analysis to understand the interplay between local communities, government authorities, and multinational corporations in managing resource wealth. A key finding is that community resistance movements have emerged in response to environmental degradation and economic disparities caused by extractive projects, often leading to localized conflicts. The study underscores the complex dynamics of power relations between stakeholders involved in natural resource extraction and their impacts on local populations' socio-economic conditions. Policy recommendations include strengthening community engagement frameworks for resource development planning and enhancing equitable distribution of benefits from extractive industries.