The impacts of artisanal gold mining on local livelihoods and the environment in the forested areas of Cameroon

Funoh, K.N.

doi:10.17528/cifor/005089

Cited by 8 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…Although galamsey is acknowledged to be a rural development tool, we recognised that it also poses dangers as well. In Cameroon, for instance, Funoh (2014) found that the youth prefer galamsey operations to agriculture because of the high income they earn from the activities. This comes with dire consequences for food security-no wonder empirical studies have highlighted the high cost of living, including the cost of foodstuff in galamsey communities (Hoedoafia et al, 2014).…”

Section: Adverse Implications Of Galamsey Operationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Baddianaah,

Abdulai,

Dordaa

2023

J. Degrade. Min. Land Manage.

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In recent times, what is common in the scientific literature is findings showcasing the environmental and social menaces associated with artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM)–low-tech, low capital investment, and labor-intensive mineral extraction and processing. However, a better understanding of how ASM shapes livelihood and rural economies may present nuances as to how its negative ramifications can be addressed. As a result, this paper examines how galamsey engenders livelihoods and the transformation of rural economies in Ghana. We produced a nuanced counter-debate to the widely held view that galamsey is evil and a menace to national development by sourcing data from 236 operators using a questionnaire and key informant interviews with 11 relevant stakeholders in north-western Ghana. Findings show that galamsey is a source of employment, income, and accumulation of assets such as houses, motorbikes, cars, and filling stations, which together make the local economy thrive, thereby fostering a local economic boom. However, there is limited collaboration between regulatory agencies and local stakeholders in implementing sustainable mining policies in Ghana. To address this problem, the government should engage local community actors such as the chiefs and landlords, assembly members, and the lead miners on possible steps to streamline and effectively monitor galamsey operations as opposed to military clamp downs.

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Section: Adverse Implications Of Galamsey Operationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Baddianaah,

Abdulai,

Dordaa

2023

J. Degrade. Min. Land Manage.

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“…During a group discussion at Pantooso community within Wassa Amenfi West District, it emerged that trees have been removed due to mining activities in the forest reserves. According to the group, this has created heat and has additionally affected the rainfall pattern in the communities with the resultant effect of low yield of crops and by extension its effect on farmers' income as espoused by Funoh (2014). Furthermore, uncovered trenches and unclaimed land have caused land degradation.…”

Section: Livelihood Situation and Wellbeing Of Affected Farmersmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For social issues, the discussants were concerned about the pressure on existing social facilities due to the influx of people with different backgrounds into their communities, therefore diluting the cultural practices of the mining communities with the resultant increase in social vices such as prostitution, teenage pregnancies, armed robbery, alcoholism and school dropout (Funoh, 2014). Group discussion sessions in all the communities showed that there was insecurity, and the pressure on existing social facilities was becoming unbearable.…”

Section: Livelihood Situation and Wellbeing Of Affected Farmersmentioning

confidence: 99%

Spillover Effect of Surface Mining on Cocoa Farming in The Wassa Amenfi East and West Districts, Ghana.

Enu-Kwesi,

Dankwah,

Ntiri

et al. 2023

AJAR

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Purpose: Based on the resource curse paradox, we argued that farmers are crowded out due to their lower marginal propensity to bargain, making them vulnerable to livelihood shocks. Consequently, we examined the spillover effect of surface mining on cocoa farmers in the Wassa Amenfi East and West districts. Design/Methodology/Approach: Using a mixed research design, a total sample of 758 farmers were proportionately sampled from 14 purposively selected communities from Wassa Amenfi East and West districts. In addition, community extension agents, chief farmers and opinion leaders were formed into a focus group for discussion. The quantitative data were presented using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon Sign Ranked test and triangulated with emergent issues from the focus group discussions. Research Implications/Limitations: The study largely focused on cocoa farmers who were affected by surface mining. As a result, the findings of this study were interpreted within that scope unless they are confirmed by studies that involve a cross-section of cocoa farmers. Findings: We found that the livelihoods of cocoa farmers have deteriorated due to significant reductions in cocoa farm sizes and yields attributed to surface mining activities in the districts. Generally, cocoa farmers willingly gave out farmlands to miners to receive a bulk sum of money. The processes involved in the computation and payment of compensation were not in line with protocols enshrined in the Minerals and Mining Act 703 of Ghana and the tenets of the entitlement theory of justice. Practical Implications: Sustainable land-use planning is a crucial element in mitigating the negative impacts and fostering resilient cocoa-farming communities in the affected districts. Based on this the study highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses environmental and economic challenges. Social Implications: The social implication of the study lies in the ability of cocoa farmer groups to advise their members against giving out their cocoa farms to surface miners and to make them aware that cocoa trees are heritage cash crops that are for use by current and future generations. Originality/Value: The paper contributes to the debate on the weakness of mining laws in protecting vulnerable groups with a focus on surface mining that crowds out farmers from the land market and dislocates them from their livelihood activities.

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Facial blast injuries in gold panning: Epidemiological and clinical patterns

Ibraïma¹,

Antoine²,

Patrick

et al. 2023

Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Medicine, and Pathol

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The impacts of artisanal gold mining on local livelihoods and the environment in the forested areas of Cameroon

Cited by 8 publications

References 10 publications

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

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

Spillover Effect of Surface Mining on Cocoa Farming in The Wassa Amenfi East and West Districts, Ghana.

Facial blast injuries in gold panning: Epidemiological and clinical patterns

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