EFFECTS OF MINING ON SMALLHOLDER AGRICULTURE IN ASUTIFI DISTRICT OF THE BRONG AHAFO REGION, GHANA

Abstract

The study assessed the socio economic effects of mining on agriculture in the Asutifi district of the Brong Ahafo region. From 117 communities in the district, three communities namely Kenyasi, Ntotroso, and Ola Resettlement were randomly selected. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 120 farmers for the study. Data for the study were collected through a structured questionnaire designed based on the objectives of the study and from literature. The data collected was subjected to descriptive analysis with the use of bar charts and frequency distribution tables. The results of the socio-economic effect of mining on smallholder agriculture in the area include displacement of people and land, increased migration into mining areas, environmental damages related to water quality water quantity, tailing management, noise and dust pollution as well as ecosystem disturbances, shortage of labour availability to agriculture, and contamination of crops as well as reduction in crops’ yield.