Analyzing the Resource Curse through Multiple African Case Studies

This volume analyzes the vital and complex subject of the resource curse through multiple case studies drawn from selected resource-rich African states. It underscores how states that are naturally endowed with abundant and diverse natural resources could curb the adverse effects of the resource curse and eventually escape the negative fallout of the Dutch Disease, namely impeded and stifled socio-economic development. This study has accentuated that the escape valve for the concerned states is rooted in accountable resource governance, and the effective implementation of various international initiatives that are designed to boost accountability in resource governance, and enhance transparency in the management of proceeds from the exploitation and commercialization of natural resources proper. Escaping the resource curse equally entails the empowerment, and active participation of civil society actors in the management of natural resources to redress, and/or escape the ramifications of the Dutch Disease.