While natural resources can provide many economic opportunities, a lack of natural resources can also cause economic problems. Malawi has the resources to grow various crops, raise cattle, and provide fish, but it lacks other more valuable resources. Neighboring countries have diamonds, oil, copper, gold and other minerals, which bring in a lot more money. For this reason, Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world. But it isn’t because Malawians don’t work hard. Imagine a hard-working farming company, and then imagine a hard-working diamond mining company. Which one do you think makes more money? Can you find Malawi on the map I attached? What do you notice about the resources in Malawi compared to the resources available in neighboring countries?
Think about the natural resources in Wake County and North Carolina. Can you name any crops grown in the area, or animals raised there? Do you know any other natural resources that people use to provide goods and services?
