Poverty traps in small-scale mining communities: the case of sub-Saharan Africa
- 26 June 2012
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis Ltd in Canadian Journal of Development Studies / Revue canadienne d'études du développement
- Vol. 33 (2), 180-197
- https://doi.org/10.1080/02255189.2012.687352
Abstract
This article critically reflects on why, in many rural stretches of sub-Saharan Africa, scores of people engage in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) activity – low-tech, labour-intensive mineral extraction – for lengthy periods of time. It argues that a large share of the region's ASM operators have mounting debts which prevent them from pursuing alternative, less arduous, employment. The article concludes with an analysis of findings from research carried out by the author in Talensi-Nabdam District, Northern Ghana, which captures the essence of the poverty trap now plaguing so many ASM communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Résumé Ce travail reflète de façon critique sur les activités d'extraction artisanale dans les régions rurales de l'Afrique subsaharienne – de type traditionnel et rigoureux pendant des périodes de longue durée. Il est constaté que la plupart de ces participants possèdent une si grande dette qu'elle les entrave à poursuivre d'autres formes d'emploi moins rigoureuses. Ce travail conclue avec une analyse des résultats d'une recherche menée par l'auteur dans le district de Talensi-Nabdam, situé dans le nord du Ghana. Ces conclusions démontrent les pièges de la pauvreté caractérisant plusieurs communautés dans l'Afrique subsaharienne.Keywords
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