Nexus between Artisanal Gold Mining and Community Livelihood in Nandi and West Pokot Mining Regions, Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58216/kjri.v6i1.126Abstract
Many studies on Artisanal Gold Mining (ASM) have estimated that it employs an estimated 13 Million people worldwide, with another 80 to 100 million people directly or indirectly benefiting. With the increasing rate of ASM operations in Nandi and West Pokot Counties, the extent to which AGM affects livelihood of people and the community and contributes to livelihood enhancement is not well-indicated in empirical literature. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the connection between ASM and community livelihood in Nandi and West Pokot Mining Regions, Kenya. The study employed a descriptive research design. Simple random sampling was used to select the respondents for interview. Primary data was obtained by using questionnaires, interview schedules and focus group discussions guide. Findings from the study indicated that majority (67%) of the respondents in West Pokot participated in artisanal gold mining activity all year round. Majority of the respondents in West Pokot County participated in mining activity on a full time basis while majority in Nandi County participate on a part time basis. Results further showed that 62 % of respondents in Nandi County were earning KShs. 4,001 and above from mining activities. Significant effect (p<0.05) of mining activities on incomes was recorded within the two Counties. Furthermore, significant relationship (p<0.05) between artisanal gold mining and socio economic activities within the mining communities was recorded. Therefore, it is recommended that stakeholders should recast mineral policy to ensure concurrent environmental sustainability and socioeconomic development.
Keywords: Artisanal Gold Mining, Livelihood, Community
Downloads
References
Dorner, U., Franken, G., Liedtke, M., & Sievers, H. (2012). Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM). URL: http://www. polinares. eu/docs/d2-1/polinares_wp2_chapter7. pdf (дата Ð¾Ð±Ñ€Ð°Ñ‰ÐµÐ½Ð¸Ñ 01.10. 2012).
Fisher, E., Mwaipopo, R., Mutagwaba, W., Nyange, D., & Yaron, G. (2009). “The ladder that sends us to wealthâ€: Artisanal mining and poverty reduction in Tanzania. Resources Policy, 34(1), 32-38.
Hilson, G. (2009). Small-scale mining, poverty and economic development in sub-Saharan Africa: An overview. Resources Policy, 34(1), 1-5.
Hilson, G., & Pardie, S. (2006). Mercury: An agent of poverty in Ghana's small-scale gold-mining sector?. Resources Policy, 31(2), 106-116.
Kirubi, C., Wamicha, W. N., & Laichena, J. K. (2000). The effects of woodfuel consumption in the ASAL areas of Kenya: the case of Marsabit forest. African Journal of ecology, 38(1), 47-52.
Kitula, A. G. N. (2006). The environmental and socio-economic impacts of mining on local livelihoods in Tanzania: A case study of Geita District. Journal of cleaner production, 14(3), 405-414.
Macdonald, I., & Rowland, C. (2002). Tunnel vision: Women, mining and communities. Victoria, Australia: Oxfam.
Maponga, O., & Ngorima, C. F. (2003). Overcoming environmental problems in the gold panning sector through legislation and education: the Zimbabwean experience. Journal of Cleaner Production,11(2),147-157
Drechsler, B., (2002) Small-scale mining and sustainable development within the SADC Region, IIED and WBCSD
National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), (2007) District Environment Action
Plan (DEAP)2006-2011.
Saldarriaga-Isaza, A., Villegas-Palacio, C., & Arango, S. (2013). The public good dilemma of a non-renewable common resource: A look at the facts of artisanal gold mining. Resources Policy, 38(2), 224-232.
Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2009). Research methods for business students, 5thEd PrenticeHall, New York
Tschakert, P., & Singha, K. (2007). Contaminated identities: Mercury and marginalization in Ghana’s artisanal mining sector. Geoforum, 38(6), 1304-1321.
Yakovleva, N. (2007). Perspectives on female participation in artisanal and small-scale mining: A case study of Birim North District of Ghana. Resources Policy, 32(1), 29-41.
