ABSTRACT
A report written for Oxfam America by political scientist Michael Ross examines the correlation between poverty and oil, gas and mineral extraction industries in developing countries. The report finds that oil and mineral dependence are strongly associated with bad conditions for the poor. With exception of Botswana, diamonds contribute little to total government revenue in region, and their contribution to employment in all three countries is small and declining. The characteristics of the diamond industry and its socioeconomic role in societies of Botswana, Namibia and South Africa have been defined by each country's unique history. A PAC Report said that De Beers and its partner conglomerate, Anglo-American, had to accept much of the responsibility for the lack of meaningful social and economic development in both South Africa and Namibia. Charles Taylor, the Liberian warlord, financed the early stages of his rampage to power by selling timber. The market for tropical hardwood is lucrative, but diamonds would be even more lucrative.
