Changing livelihoods in response to mining: evidence from the Asutifi district of Ghana

Abstract

Radical reforms and liberalisation in Ghana’s mining sector have stimulated increased investment with new multi-national mining companies coming on board as well as the rehabilitation of old mines. The cumulative effects are the intensification of mining activities and the expansion in operations across the mining zones in the country. With most rural livelihoods being heavily dependent on natural capital, expansions in mining operations means rural livelihoods would be substantially challenged. This study assesses peoples’ response to the changes in their major livelihoods as a result of loss of land to mining in the Asutifi District, and the role of stakeholders in ensuring livelihood security for the people. Using interview schedules, in-depth interview guides and observation, data for the study were gathered from 217 randomly selected household respondents and 10 purposively selected key stakeholders drawn from five settlements that are mostly affected by mining activities in the district. The study found that there have been significant changes in the livelihoods of the people since the introduction of mining in the district. Prominent among these changes in the livelihoods is the shift from agriculture to trading due to loss of agricultural land to mining. The relevant stakeholders have not been able to collaborate effectively to ensure livelihood security. The study recommends the adoption of a comprehensive national policy that promotes the interest of residents of mining-fringe communities and a revision of the country’s mineral and mining laws as a means to secure and sustain the livelihoods of residents living in mining-fringe communities