Explain why the produce from tropical plantations are profitable to the local communities that grow them, but not as profitable as finished goods.

Answer:

Tropical plantations provide a unique source of income for locals in many countries because they produce crops, such as cocoa, rubber and tea, desired around the world that can only be grown in tropical climates. However, the produce of these tropical plantations also tend to be simple raw materials that are merely the first step in a production process that yields more profitable products. While the communities do benefit from the production of the raw materials, there is greater profit in the production of finished goods.