An Assessment on the environmental impact of small-scale artisanal miners in rural Zimbabwe: a case of Rosa communal area, Chiweshe
- Author
- Brown, Tinotenda
- Title
- An Assessment on the environmental impact of small-scale artisanal miners in rural Zimbabwe: a case of Rosa communal area, Chiweshe
- Abstract
- The study investigated the environmental consequences of small-scale artisanal mining in the Rosa area of Chiweshe Communal Lands, Zimbabwe, through the dual lenses of the Environmental Kuznets Curve. (EKC) and Human-Environment Interaction (HEI) theories. The findings reveal significant ecological degradation; deforestation, water contamination, air pollution, and soil erosion. These are largely driven by unregulated mining practices and weak enforcement of the Mines and Minerals Act. From the EKC perspective, Rosa remains in the early phase of development, where economic gain is prioritized over environmental sustainability. The HEI framework underscores the reciprocal impact between human activity and environmental health, as mining diminishes biodiversity, agricultural productivity and community well-being. While mitigation strategies such as land rehabilitation, environmental education and alternative livelihoods are emerging, they remain sporadic and under-resourced. Opportunities for sustainable transition through eco-tourism, agro-development and NGO collaboration are present but require stronger policy enforcement and active community engagement.
- Date
- June 2025
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Artisanal mining
- Environmental degradation
- Supervisor
- Mr Dzvene
- Item sets
- Department of Environmental Science
- Media
-
Brown - SHEM.pdf