Mapping the bigger picture: Using mapping to promote better development outcomes from extractive industries

Abstract

Governments often grant oil and mining concessions with little or no regard for the potential impact that resource extraction could have on agricultural production. There is often little accessible data available to demonstrate the extent to which oil and mining concessions have been made on agriculture land. The lack of information contributes to poor coordination among government agencies involved in decision-making regarding use of land, which in turn hinders the implementation of effective public policy solutions for reducing conflict and ensuring that natural resource wealth contributes to poverty reduction in rural areas. In this article I argue that geographic mapping of the overlaps between oil and mining concessions and agriculturally productive areas can make a contribution to improving public policy and decision-making regarding land-use priorities. Graphic data can help better inform policy-makers and the public about where concessions are being granted and where potential conflicts with agricultural production may emerge. I discuss two cases in particular where oil and mining activities have come into direct conflict with agriculture: Peru and Ghana.