IMPACT OF SMALL SCALE MINING ON RURAL LIVELIHOODS IN SOME PARTS OF YAURI AND FAKAI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF KEBBI STATE, NIGERIA by Abubukar, M. Y.; Zankan, J. A. A and Isah, M. N., Scientific Research Journal (Scirj), Volume VIII, Issue IV, April 2020 Edition

Scirj Volume VIII, Issue IV, April 2020 Edition
ISSN: 2201-2796

IMPACT OF SMALL SCALE MINING ON RURAL LIVELIHOODS IN SOME PARTS OF YAURI AND FAKAI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF KEBBI STATE, NIGERIA

Abubukar, M. Y.; Zankan, J. A. A and Isah, M. N.

Abstract: Small scale mining is an important livelihood activity to most rural dwellers living in communities endowed with mineral resources. This study examined the impact of small scale mining on rural livelihoods in some parts of Fakai and Yauri local government areas of Kebbi State, Nigeria. Data for this study was collected through direct field observation and focus group discussion (FGD). Six different sessions of FGD of eight participants was conducted which were purposely selected based on their participation and knowledge in mining. The results of the study indicated that the mining activities is undertaken by individuals and groups who rely heavily on manual labour, using simple implements such as chisel, hammer, digger and shovel. The constraints to mineral exploitation include rock falls and subsidence, drug abuse and addiction, use of crude equipments, exposure to dust/health risk, and security challenges. The findings also revealed the following as the benefits of small scale mining in the study area: source of income generation, it creates employment to people, improves crop farming and livestock production, and improves petty trading and blacksmithing. It is therefore recommended that miners should suspend mining activities during the rainy season in other to avoid subsidence or rock falls and revisit their farmlands for agriculture. They should be educated on the dangers of drug abuse and also advice to eat nutritious and palatable food to maintain healthy living. Finally, they should sponsor their children to study so as to reduce their suffering from mining.

Reference this Paper: IMPACT OF SMALL SCALE MINING ON RURAL LIVELIHOODS IN SOME PARTS OF YAURI AND FAKAI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS OF KEBBI STATE, NIGERIA by Abubukar, M. Y.; Zankan, J. A. A and Isah, M. N. published at: "Scientific Research Journal (Scirj), Volume VIII, Issue IV, April 2020 Edition, Page 106-119 ".

Search Terms: Small Scale Mining, Livelihoods, Miners, Minerals, Options, Community

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