The Role of “Livelihood” Natural Resources in Conflict and Post-Conflict Peacebuilding

Abstract

Much attention has been paid to the role of high-value natural resources—timber, diamonds, oil, gas, etc.—in exacerbating and sustaining violent conflicts worldwide. However, a number of other, less prominent “livelihood” resources also play a role in, or are affected by, conflicts. Examples of these resources include cocoa in the Ivory Coast, bananas in Somalia and Colombia, charcoal in Somalia, and coffee in Colombia. In some cases, these resources have been used to fund conflicts; in other cases, the production of these resources as a source of livelihoods has sparked shortages and conflict over other resources; and in other cases, conflicts have arisen over control of these resources as a source of valuable income. In order to strengthen the transition to peace in post-conflict societies, it is important to address the role of these "livelihood" natural resources in peacebuilding efforts, including how these resources and their revenue can be better managed to help prevent a return to conflict. This project explores the various roles that livelihood natural resources play in violent conflicts as well as what post-conflict measures may be taken in order to improve the management of these resources as a central component of peacebuilding, and thereby prevent a return to conflict. In order to strengthen the transition to peace in post-conflict societies, it is important to address the role of these "livelihood" natural resources in peacebuilding efforts, including how these resources and their revenue can be better managed to help prevent a return to conflict. This project explores the various roles that livelihood natural resources play in violent conflicts as well as what post-conflict measures may be taken in order to improve the management of these resources as a central component of peacebuilding, and thereby prevent a return to conflict.