The discovery of oil is usually celebrated as a one-way ticket to wealth and economic growth. Yet evidence indicates that the presence of oil in a developing country makes life worse, not better, for most of the people who live there - particularly the poorest people.

 Producers' Diary: Why Oil?

This programme travels to Ecuador and Angola where, historically, oil has proved to be more of a curse than a blessing.

 Producers' Diary: Filming in the Ecuadorian Rainforest

 Producers' Diary: We Are Happy To Be Together

The programme asks how much of this is the responsibility of the oil industry and looks at how oil companies are responding to the challenges presented by this 'paradox of plenty'.

 Quiz: How much do you know about the black stuff?

 THE CURSE OF OIL HOMEPAGE

Previous documentaries on BBC Four

Human Rights Watch
Report on use of oil revenue in Angola and its impact on human rights

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