As examples of agricultural conflict resources, this map layer shows the prevalence of the cacao tree (Theobroma cacao) for 2016, the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) and the export of tropical timber for 2016.
The cacao tree, the oil palm and tropical woods are important agricultural commercial goods on the world market. Data on these three commodities are collected and published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO). The past has shown that these three natural resources can influence conflicts. This is why we have chosen them as an example in this module. The sale of these resources in some cases finances parties to a conflict and thus makes the conflict last longer. They are planted mostly in tropical regions.
© picture alliance / Nabil Zorkot
Bitter cocoa - Agricultural products as conflict resources
The debate on conflict resources is mostly about extractive natural resources, such as metals, minerals and energy sources, i.e. gold, iron ore, diamonds and oil. Some of these natural treasures, such as diamonds and gold are particularly well suited for financing conflicts.
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