TRADITIONAL GOLD MINING AND ITS IMPACT ON LIVELIHOOD OF MINERS; THE CASE OF GIRJA DISTRICT, OROMIA, ETHIOPIA

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 While secondary data was collected from published and unpublished materials, which were available inform of books, journal articles and government policy.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.