Paradox of plenty: poverty amid rich resources in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea (PNG) exemplifies the paradox of plenty, where abundant natural resources coexist with pervasive poverty, particularly in the resource-rich Highlands region. This study offers a nuanced examination of the persistent poverty within the Highlands through a multidisciplinary approach comprising qualitative interviews, secondary data analysis, and a thorough review of existing literature. The investigation foregrounds the historical, political, and environmental contexts shaping poverty dynamics, exploring critical issues such as land tenure, resource exploitation, governance challenges, and socio-economic inequality. It also evaluates the role and effectiveness of development policies and interventions aimed at poverty alleviation. The findings reveal complex interactions between Indigenous cultural frameworks, national governance structures, and global economic forces that collectively sustain poverty despite the region's resource wealth. The study underscores that without inclusive governance, sustainable resource management, and community-driven development initiatives, efforts to reduce poverty remain stymied. This research holds significant implications for policy formulation and development strategies, advocating for paradigms that prioritise equity and local empowerment to transform resource abundance into genuine and shared socio-economic advancement in Papua New Guinea.