Document Type
Journal article
Source Publication
Geography Journal
Publication Date
2016
Volume
2016
First Page
1605427
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Abstract
Drawing on the DFID’s sustainable livelihood framework, this paper explores the nexus between artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) and livelihood in Prestea mining region, Ghana. A cross-sectional mixed method survey involving simple random and purposively sampled participants () was carried out. The results suggest both positive and negative relationships between ASM and livelihoods of the people. The study found various livelihood assets associated with ASM and how critical assets are adversely affected by ASM activities. Limited employment opportunities in rural areas (82%), economic hardships/poverty situations of people (59%), and “quick” income earnings from ASM (90%) were the major factors that influenced people to combine and use their personal assets to enable them to engage in ASM. ASM contributes to the livelihood enhancement through income generation, increased well-being and asset acquisition (50.7%), reduced vulnerabilities (31.1%), and empowerment of people (19.2%) to establish other economic activities. However, the small-scale miners and farmers as well as farmlands, forest, and water resources are most vulnerable to adverse effects of ASM activities. Accidents of various degrees, diseases, and death were the shocks in ASM. Regarding the massive impact of ASM on employment creation and poverty reduction in rural communities, it is recommended that stakeholders recast Ghana’s mineral policy to ensure concurrent environmental sustainability and socioeconomic development.
DOI
10.1155/2016/1605427
Print ISSN
23144203
E-ISSN
23144211
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2016 Francis Arthur et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Francis Arthur, F., Agyemang-Duah, W., Gyasi, R. M., Yeboah, J. Y., & Otieku, E. (2016). Nexus between artisanal and small-scale gold mining and livelihood in Prestea mining region, Ghana. Geography Journal, 2016, 1605427. doi: 10.1155/2016/1605427