Contribution of artisanal mining to household food security amid El Nino induced drought in Makaha ward 14 Mudzi district

Author

Chikwizo, Tafadzwa D.

Title

Contribution of artisanal mining to household food security amid El Nino induced drought in Makaha ward 14 Mudzi district

Abstract

This research investigated the contribution of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) to household food security amid El Nino-induced drought conditions in Makaha Ward 14, Mudzi District, Zimbabwe. The central question guiding the study was “can artisanal mining enhance household food security in the context of climate-related disasters such as El Nino-induced drought?” The study was guided by Malthusian perspective on resource scarcity and population pressure. In line with a pragmatic paradigm, a mixed-methods was employed to gather data. Purposive sampling was adopted to select 40 artisanal mining households from a targeted population of 50, ensuring engagement with participants possessing direct experience of the phenomenon. Stratified random sampling was also used to improve representativeness by ensuring key subgroups are included and enhancing comparative analysis. Data collection integrated structured questionnaires (administered to 35 households), semi-structured interviews focus group discussion and analysis of secondary sources. The findings revealed that El Nino-induced drought undermined agriculture (71% households) and 43% causing food shortages. In response artisan al and small scale mining emerged as a critical coping mechanism, serving as the primary income source for food purchases. However, ASM’s effectiveness was severely constrained by significant challenges like rampant informality, police harassment, and low mineral yields lack of equipment and land conflicts. Consequently, while ASM functioned as an indispensable lifeline during acute drought, its unstable nature limits its sustainability as a food security strategy. The study concludes that whilst artisanal mining enhanced immediate household food security amid climate shocks, however, it requires transformative interventions to realize its potential. Key recommendations include formalizing the ASM sector through simplified licensing and designated Community Mining Areas (CMAs), integrating ASM households into national food security programs and social safety nets like the Harmonized Social Cash Transfer (HSCT), providing operational support (equipment access and training), enforcing environmental rehabilitation and promoting climate-resilient livelihood diversification beyond mining. This research contributes empirically and theoretically to understanding livelihood adaptation under climate tress and argues for policy coherence recognizing ASM’s role in resilient-building.

Date

June 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM)

El Nino induced drought

climate resilience

livelihood diversification

Supervisor

Dr. K Mhlanga