Problem
Economic dependence of countries on the drug trade
Nature:
Reducing the economic incentive to grow illicit drug crops has increased in international strategic importance over the past decade However, some countries are not party to the international conventions dealing with the control of narcotic drugs; others which are, do not necessarily have the means to fully comply. While strong law enforcement and advanced technology may greatly improve a nation's ability to destroy illicit crops, production in some areas is likely to continue unless reasonable economic alternatives are offered to those involved, from the farmers, to the dealers, to the government which may derive income from the drug growing activities.
Broader Problems:
Illicit drug traffickingSocial costs of substance abuseEconomic dependence upon socially undesirable activitiesInappropriate selection of crops for non-nutritional qualitiesDependence of countries on export of limited range of raw materials Related Problems:
Increasing drug addiction in drug producing countries Aggravates:
Inadequate drug controlTradition-bound crop selectionRestricted farming alternativesVulnerability of least developed countriesSusceptibility of the impoverished to drug trafficking Strategies:
Growing narcotic cropsFighting war against drugs Values:
IndependenceDependenceUneconomic References:
Smith, Michael L, et al: Why People Grow Drugs: narcotics and development in the Third World Subject(s):
Commerce → Trade??Economics → Economic??
Health Care → Pharmacy??
Societal Problems → Dependence??
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
E: Emanations of other problems Date of last update
22.10.2019 – 21:03 CEST