Assessing the Role of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining in Poverty Alleviation: A Case of Barn Mining Area, Ward 25 Matopo: Matabeleland South Province

Sibanda Sindiso Marther,Tambura Prudence,Mapuva Jephias

doi:10.5296/emsd.v9i2.16990

Abstract

This paper sought to assess the role of artisanal and small-scale mining in poverty alleviation, focusing on Barn mining area ward 25 Matopo (Matabeleland South Province). The study adopted a mixed method approach in data collection, comprising the use of questionnaires, interview guides, observation tools and focus group discussions. The study found that ASM contributes to income generation and employment creation and has become a major source of livelihood in many mineral resource endowed areas of Zimbabwe. It was concluded that ASM as an economic activity has improved livelihoods as the income affords the miners an improved standard of life in addition to the ability to buy agricultural inputs and sending their children to school. However, several challenges associated with ASM were identified. These include lack of financial and institutional assistance, gold wars and other unfound agreements made between miners and claim owners. Loss of life in mine accidents, spread of sexually transmitted diseases are some of the negative impacts identified. The study recommended that for the benefits of ASM to be realised in terms of poverty alleviation, ASM activities should be decriminalized and financial support availed to miners.

Highlights

Worldwide there has been an exponential growth in the number of people involved in artisanal and small scale mining
Estimates indicate that 10 to 15 million workers are engaged in the sector globally and over 100 million people are indirectly dependent on it (World Bank, 2009)
World Bank (2013) highlighted that 84% of the population in the rural areas of Zimbabwe is below the national poverty line with underemployment and low agricultural productivity being the main contributors

Summary

Introduction

Worldwide there has been an exponential growth in the number of people involved in artisanal and small scale mining. A report by the World Bank 2008 noted that all over the world, small-scale mining employs a considerable number of indigenous people in rural communities. In Zimbabwe, unemployment is one of the biggest problems facing the government coupled with changing climate characterised by unpredictable rainfall patterns that negatively affect agricultural output. World Bank (2013) highlighted that 84% of the population in the rural areas of Zimbabwe is below the national poverty line with underemployment and low agricultural productivity being the main contributors. With the emergence of the land reform program by the government, communities have emerged haphazardly into virgin land where abandoned mines existed This has led to the scrambling for the gold deposits intensifying gold panning (Shoko and Veiga, 2004)

Methods

Results

Conclusion