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Integrated Assessment of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Ghana — Part 3: Social Sciences and Economics

Author

Listed:
  • Mark L. Wilson

    (Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA)

  • Elisha Renne

    (Department of Afroamerican and African Studies, University of Michigan, 101 West Hall, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
    Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, 101 West Hall, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA)

  • Carla Roncoli

    (Department Anthropology, Emory University, 1557 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, GA 30223, USA)

  • Peter Agyei-Baffour

    (Department of Community Health, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana)

  • Emmanuel Yamoah Tenkorang

    (Institute for Development Studies, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana)

Abstract

This article is one of three synthesis reports resulting from an integrated assessment (IA) of artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in Ghana. Given the complexities that involve multiple drivers and diverse disciplines influencing ASGM, an IA framework was used to analyze economic, social, health, and environmental data and to co-develop evidence-based responses in collaboration with pertinent stakeholders. We look at both micro- and macro-economic processes surrounding ASGM, including causes, challenges, and consequences. At the micro-level, social and economic evidence suggests that the principal reasons whereby most people engage in ASGM involve “push” factors aimed at meeting livelihood goals. ASGM provides an important source of income for both proximate and distant communities, representing a means of survival for impoverished farmers as well as an engine for small business growth. However, miners and their families often end up in a “poverty trap” of low productivity and indebtedness, which reduce even further their economic options. At a macro level, Ghana’s ASGM activities contribute significantly to the national economy even though they are sometimes operating illegally and at a disadvantage compared to large-scale industrial mining companies. Nevertheless, complex issues of land tenure, social stability, mining regulation and taxation, and environmental degradation undermine the viability and sustainability of ASGM as a livelihood strategy. Although more research is needed to understand these complex relationships, we point to key findings and insights from social science and economics research that can guide policies and actions aimed to address the unique challenges of ASGM in Ghana and elsewhere.

Suggested Citation

  • Mark L. Wilson & Elisha Renne & Carla Roncoli & Peter Agyei-Baffour & Emmanuel Yamoah Tenkorang, 2015. "Integrated Assessment of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Ghana — Part 3: Social Sciences and Economics," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-24, July.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:12:y:2015:i:7:p:8133-8156:d:52609
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Mozhgon Rajaee & Samuel Obiri & Allyson Green & Rachel Long & Samuel J. Cobbina & Vincent Nartey & David Buck & Edward Antwi & Niladri Basu, 2015. "Integrated Assessment of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Ghana—Part 2: Natural Sciences Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-41, July.
    5. Nunoo, Isaac & Boansi, David & Owusu, Victor, 2023. "Does the use of cocoa farmlands for artisanal small-scale gold mining really increase household food insecurity? Evidence from Ghana," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 87(PA).
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    10. Niladri Basu & Elisha P. Renne & Rachel N. Long, 2015. "An Integrated Assessment Approach to Address Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Ghana," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 12(9), pages 1-16, September.
    11. Paschal, Makungu & Kauangal, Jignesh, 2023. "Women position in artisanal and small-scale mining in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic literature review," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C).
    12. Clifford Amoako & Kwasi Kwafo Adarkwa & Kofi Appiah Koranteng, 2023. "Survival now, sustainability later: the emerging artisanal mining and the dying agricultural livelihoods in the Akyem Abuakwa traditional area of Ghana," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 25(2), pages 1645-1666, February.
    13. Satomi Kimijima & Masayuki Sakakibara & Masahiko Nagai, 2021. "Detection of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining Activities and Their Transformation Using Earth Observation, Nighttime Light, and Precipitation Data," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-12, October.
    14. Wang, Zheng & Feng, NaNa & Zuo, WenJin & Jia, YanHuai, 2024. "Sustainable recovery through efficient resource markets: Innovations and solutions," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 88(C).
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    16. Oppong Ntiri, Richard & Appiah-Boateng, Sabina & Koomson, Frederick, 2023. "Beyond the numbers: Group formation in the artisanal and small-scale mining in Ghana," World Development Perspectives, Elsevier, vol. 32(C).

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