Alternative livelihood programme for mining communities: a study of Obuasi municipality

Abstract

Alternative livelihoods programmes (ALPs) have been adopted as an alternative form of livelihoods for people whose original means of livelihood have been taken for other purposes. ALPs have been seen as viable option for people of the under privileged class. However, despite the increasing importance of ALPs in Ghanaian mining communities especially in the Obuasi Municipality, little studies have been conducted to assess the real impacts of the ALPs on the livelihood of the inhabitants. The study employed interview schedule to collect data from all beneficiaries of the ALPs in the Obuasi Municipality whereas in-depth interview guide was employed for key stakeholders. The main findings indicate that most of the beneficiaries were generally satisfied with the ALPs. Also, the beneficiaries indicated that jobs under the ALPs are preferred to their previous jobs. There was collaboration between the Obuasi Municipal Assembly and AngloGold Ashanti in the implementation of the ALPs. The main challenge encountered by AngloGold Ashanti in implementing the ALP was minimal cooperation from chiefs. Based on these findings, it was recommended that AngloGold Ashanti should broaden the base of the projects under the ALPs to other communities within the Municipality. Also, both the Municipal Assembly and AngloGold Ashanti should continue to consolidate the current collaboration to sustain the ALPs.