Abstract:
The objective of this study was to investigate traditional gold mining and its impact on the
livelihood of mining household in Girja district, Guji zone, Oromia Regional state, Ethiopia.
In order to achieve the research objectives, both primary and secondary data were as used.
Primary data was collected from 88 sample miners from three mining site. While secondary
data was collected from published and unpublished materials, which were available inform
of books, journal articles and government policy. A combination of quantitative and
qualitative methods was used to analyze the study variables. Descriptive statistical tools
including averages, percentages, linear regression were employed to analyze quantitative
data. The study findings showed that positive impacts of gold mining for involved people
were regarding income, create job opportunity, reduce poverty, business activities, selling
food, to increase local economy, expenditure on education, health and food consumption. On
the other hand, conflicting interest, communicable diseases, lack technology power, illegal
system, market related challenges, lack of skilled man power, aggressive child labor, school
dropouts, social disruptions and injuries were negative impacts /challenges/ of the
traditional gold mining. The findings highlighted that income generated from gold mining
plays a pivotal role in reducing rural poverty. Based on the results of the study, it is
recommended that impacts of traditional gold mining on the livelihoods of miners should be
controlled; enhancing capacity of services provides, raising awareness of the public on legal
rights related to the small-scale mining , enhancing public support, introducing simple-technology, improve market system, technical and skill training.
