Powerpoint Presentation - Youth in Artisanal Mining In Kakamega and Vihiga Counties.pptx

PhD Research Concept note on Artisanal gold mining in kakamega county

1. CONCEPT NOTE PRESENTATION EXAMINING SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL VULNERABILITIES IMPEDING YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY OF ARTISANAL GOLD MINING KAKAMEGA & VIHIGA COUNTIES By Ms . Ursula Sore – CDS/H/01- 70239/2022

2. INTRODUCTION The demographic landscape of Africa is marked by its youthfulness with an estimated 226 million individuals aged between the ages of 15 to 24 years, a number that is expected to triple to over 830 million by the year 2050 (AfDB, 2016 ). Artisanal Mining (AM) is an increasingly prominent sector in sub-Saharan Africa, providing employment and alleviating hardships for rural populations, particularly among the youth, constituting 30% of the world's artisanal miners, with a majority being women and young individuals . The Africa Mining Vision ( AMV) established in 2009 underscores a robust commitment to fostering youth empowerment and sustainable mining practices throughout the African continent as well as a multifaceted role of the mining sector’s contribution not only to economic growth The Minamata Convention on Mercury, signed by 128 countries in 2013, plays a vital role in mitigating mercury pollution from artisanal gold mining, with youth engagement crucial for implementing sustainable practices through education, responsible mining promotion, and community awareness. However , challenges persist as notably artisanal mining is often associated with informal and unregulated practices, presenting unique obstacles that impact both local communities and the environmental sustainability of the area.

3. Contd… The current AGM regulations in Kenya are insufficient to adequately address the environmental degradation and health risks caused by AGM operations due to the government’s failure to integrate AGM into the development framework as a result of weak institutional capacities and poor inter-agency coordination mechanisms (Maponga and Ngorima, 2003 ). The history of gold mining in Kakamega dates back to colonial times, and the area has seen sporadic small-scale mining activities over the years. AGM in Kakamega has been ongoing for years, and it has attracted attention due to the potential for gold deposits in the region. With the exploration of gold in Kakamega county, the mining sector has seen an increase in AGM activities where over 8,000 youths who are directly involved in mining along the rivers, roads and in farms through surface and underground mining

4. Statement of the problem The research acknowledges that while AGM has become a vital source of employment in Kenya, especially in counties like Kakamega and remains inadequately researched on the social behavioral aspects of the miners aspects and this research will focus on examining the predisposing vulnerabilities affecting the youth both male and female in this sector The research also acknowledges that some related studies that have been undertaken in the sector. Anyanda (2022) carried out a general assessment of socio-economic impact of artisanal gold mining in Ikolomani division, Kakamega County, which underscored the necessity for government and investor collaboration to enhance economic amenities in the region, emphasizing the potential for revitalizing economic activities and improving livelihoods. Wawire (2022), investigated the impact of artisanal gold mining on adjacent land uses, analyze contributing factors to these effects, assess the roles and perceptions of public and private stakeholders, and propose sustainable strategies for gold mining. In their 2020 research, Arasa et al. examined artisanal mining practices in various Kenyan counties, such as Kakamega, Migori , Homa Bay, Kwale , Machakos , Kitui , Kajiado , and Kisii which identified a range of adverse impacts, including environmental degradation, health hazards, landscape disruption, accidents, and compromised soil and water quality.

5. Contd… Despite the promising economic prospects, youth engaged in artisanal gold mining in Kakamega encounter a myriad of challenges such as insufficient access to proper mining tools and safety equipment, a limited understanding of sustainable mining practices, and exposure to hazardous working conditions, all of which significantly jeopardize their well-being. Furthermore, the absence of formal regulation and oversight in the artisanal mining sector not only contributes to environmental degradation but also exposes the youth to health risks. In addition to these challenges, young female participants may face gender-specific issues such as social stigmas and unequal opportunities The study aims to comprehensively assess the socio-economic and environmental obstacles hindering youth empowerment in the artisanal gold mining sector in Kakamega County, pinpointing vulnerabilities and proposing community-driven strategies to enhance both youth empowerment and the sustainability of artisanal gold mining practices in the region.

6. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES Main Objective The primary objective of this research is to thoroughly investigate the socio-economic and environmental vulnerabilities impeding youth empowerment in the context of artisanal gold mining in Kakamega and Vihiga counties with a specific focus on developing strategies to enhance sustainability of the sector. Specific Objectives : To conduct an in-depth analysis of the socio-economic vulnerabilities faced by youth involved in artisanal gold mining in Kakamega and Vihiga Counties. To investigate the environmental vulnerabilities associated with artisanal gold mining activities in Kakamega and Vihiga counties. To explore existing youth empowerment initiatives in Kakamega and Vihiga counties in regard to artisanal gold mining and propose tailored strategies to enhance the socio-economic well-being of youth engaged in the sector. To recommend comprehensive strategies for enhancing youth empowerment and sustainability of artisanal gold mining in Kakamega and Vihiga counties.

7. Key research questions What are the specific socio-economic vulnerabilities experienced by youth engaged in artisanal gold mining in Kakamega and Vihiga counties? What environmental vulnerabilities are associated with artisanal gold mining activities in Kakamega and Vihiga counties and how does this impact the local ecosystem? What are the existing youth empowerment initiatives in Kakamega and Vihiga County in regards to artisanal gold mining and how effective have these initiatives impacted on the socio-economic well-being of the youth? What tailor specific strategies can be proposed to enhance the socio-economic well-being of youth and sustainability of artisanal gold mining in Kakamega and Vihiga counties?

8. Significance of Study The AGM sector in sub-Saharan Africa, as highlighted by Buxton (2013), holds an academic significance due to its substantial contribution to livelihood opportunities, employing ten times more people than large-scale mining. The study seeks to fill this gap by conducting a comprehensive examination of the socio-economic and environmental challenges impeding youth empowerment within the artisanal gold mining sector in Kakamega County Study aims to bridge this gap by conducting an in-depth analysis, providing empirical evidence, and contributing valuable insights to the academic discourse surrounding AGM, youth engagement, and sustainable development. The study also aligns with current academic trends that emphasize the integration of environmental and academic understanding of sustainable mining practices, resource distribution and the challenges faced by vulnerable groups particularly the youth in the mining sector . The findings will provide actionable insights for development practitioners, NGOs, and policymakers to design tailored strategies for youth empowerment and sustainable development in Kakamega County.

9. Scope of study The research study will be undertaken in two counties namely Kakamega and Vihiga . Kakamega County comprises of 12 constituencies including Butere , Mumias East, Mumias West, Matungu , Khwisero , Shinyalu , Lurambi , Ikolomani, Lugari , Malava , Navakholo , and Likuyani. Vihiga county comprises of 5 five sub-counties, namely Hamisi , Emuhaya , Luanda, Sabatia and Vihiga . In Kakamega County research will be undertaken in 3 sub counties including Ikolomani (Bushiangala, Masiyenze , Iguhu ), Shinyalu ( Sigalagala , Machilifu and Shidodo ), Lurambi ( Rosterman ) while in Vihiga the research will be undertaken in two sub counties including Hamisi ( Iladuya & Mambasa ) and 2 sites Sabatia sub county .

10. Study population & Methodology The primary focus of this study will be on youth aged both male and female youth aged between 18 and 35 years as per the definition of youth outlined in the African Youth Charter (African Union, 2006). The targeted participants include those involved in various AGM activities, such as mining sites, processing areas, and related tasks . To gather comprehensive insights, a combination of primary and secondary data sources will be utilized. Primary data will be collected through the use of questionnaires, interview guides for key informant interviews (KII), and focused group discussions (FGD). Secondary data will be sourced from published materials related to previous AGM studies, journal articles, and relevant documents from organizations like the UN. This dual approach enhances the study's depth and breadth by incorporating both firsthand accounts and existing knowledge on AGM. Research method will also involve focus group discussions and structured interviews with various stakeholders.

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