The effects of artisanal mining on the livelihoods of the local community of Shurugwi

Abstract

The purpose of this research, was to make a depiction of how the emergence and engagement into artisanal mining impacted on the livelihoods of the local community of Shurugwi. The areas under study in this particular study included Zireva, Mliswa, Chiriya, Dhlodhlo, Nhatare and also Mateka among others. Effort was made to look at some of the livelihood indicators that underwent improvement, judging from their previously marginalized position. Such a situation was brought about by various factors, ranging from the brink of the economic meltdown which saw foreclosure of major mines that had been operating in the small town such as Zimasco Steel. With prior engagement into artisanal mining, major improvements were witnessed on things such as asset accumulation, significant increase on household income levels, employment creation, and more so, better social service provision for the family i.e. on health, payment of school fees, shelter, and a general reduction to vulnerabilities socio-economic related. Using interviews and questionnaires as data gathering techniques, data was gathered at a grassroots level, that is the actual miners that were engaging directly into artisanal mining and some of the families that were being supported indirectly, taking note of the changes made ever since the emergence. Thrust was also placed on some of the challenges that these so called illegal faced on a daily basis, firstly with the state and its legislation that criminalizes their activities, not excluding the various stringent statutory instrument and licencing processes that hinder smooth operations. This sector is fairly important to the revival of the Zimbabwean economy and thus recommendations were given, that can assist in enhancement for both the state and more importantly the local people of Shurugwi.