In Cameroon, IMF-recommended export tax cuts and currency devaluation provided economic incentive to export timber. In the 1980s, the IMF encouraged Guyana's government to transform mining and petroleum into one of the country's critical economic sectors. Mining in Guyana has led to river pollution, the decline of fish populations and deforestation. Under IMF guidance, Cote d'Ivoire has targeted mineral resources for export intensification and is stepping up exploration efforts. The results are new surface mining projects, three new gold mining companies since 1994, and 80 permits issued for mineral exploration to 27 international mining companies in 1995.
Agriculture is another sector SAPs target for export growth.
In order to increase yields, farmers either increase land intensity through fertilizer and pesticide use, or clear new land for more crops. Large-scale agriculture often involves monocropping, resulting in erosion, loss of soil fertility and increased industrial inputs. SAP programs in Tanzania resulted in rising costs for the agricultural sector. The need for production increases has led to land clearing at the rate of almost 1 million acres per year. SAPs led Cote d'Ivoire to devalue its currency and eliminate export taxes creating incentives for increased agricultural output.