Livelihood implications of artisanal gold mining in farming communities: insight from the Wa East District, Ghana

Abstract

The impact of artisanal mining on livelihoods in developing countries is a contentious issue. As a contribution to this subject, the study assessed the implications of artisanal gold mining activities on smallholder agriculture in the Wa East District of Ghana. A descriptive survey design with a mixed methods research approach was used. Primary data were sourced from respondents through interviews, questionnaire administration, and field observation. Five artisanal mining communities were selected based on the intensity of mining activities in them. The study respondents consisted of 290 household heads drawn randomly from 1,050 households. Also, key informants consisting of 5 assembly members and 15 lead artisanal miners were interviewed. The study found artisanal mining to be a dominant livelihood strategy in the district, employing about 76.2% of respondents at various levels. Artisanal mining contribution to household income was higher than food crop farming. Proceeds from mining are used to finance smallholder agriculture. However, the activities of the miners have resulted in the degradation of farmlands. We argued that artisanal mining activities should be aligned with other livelihood options such as agriculture in local communities. The study called for the engagement of local miners and traditional rulers in mineral resource decision-making.

Assessing the effects of gold mining on environment: A case study of Shekiso district, Guji zone, Ethiopia

“…Due to mining technology, private or public mining companies may generate more revenue than traditional mining occupations ( Haddaway et al., 2019 ; Hinton et al., 2003 ; Lahiri-Dutt et al., 2014 ; Werthmann, 2009 ). Artisanal and gold mining can help to alleviate poverty and create several possibilities ( Baddianaah et al., 2021 ; Stephens and Ahern, 2001 ). However, it necessitates cash and specific abilities, which can be problematic for resource-constrained and inexperienced households without competent technical assistance.…”

Sorting the facts from the lots: Contribution of artisanal and small-scale mining (galamsey) to rural livelihood configurations in sub-Saharan Africa

“…At this stage, the purposive sampling technique was deployed to select four communities, namely Goripie and Manwe (Wa East District) and Charikpong and Takpo (Nadowli-Kaleo District). The four communities were selected because of the proliferation of artisanal mining operations in those communities (Laari et al, 2016;Baddianaah et al, 2021). Furthermore, we employed the snowball sampling strategy to administer 236 questionnaires to artisanal and small-scale miners across the four selected communities.…”

Socio-demographic factors affecting artisanal and small-scale mining (galamsey) operations in Ghana

“…In 2017, the Government of Ghana's quest to halt illegal mining activities that lead to the involvement of a joint police and military taskforce ("Operation Vanguard") could not deter galamsey operations in the region. In addition, the illegal mining operators expressed disinterest and lack of trust in the Government of Ghana 'Community Mining Cooperative' that claimed to provide access to the illegal miners' own mining concessions (Baddianaah et al, 2021b). Therefore, the illegal miners have been able to resist all attempts to put them out of business.…”