1. A systematic review of the socio-economic impacts of mining in Africa: Do research methods influence participation?
- Author
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Egunyu, Felicitas and Boakye-Danquah, John
- Abstract
We used a systematic review to investigate research methods and participants in studies on the socio-economic impacts of mining in Africa. We identified 170 peer-reviewed articles published from 1980 to 2023 from research conducted in 32 African countries. Common data collection methods were interviews, focus group discussions, surveys, and participant observation. Uncommon methods included oral and life history. Research participants included community members and leaders, government officials, and miners. Uncommon participants included persons with disability, displaced persons, and foreign nationals. Indigenous people were missing from the participants listed in the 170 articles we reviewed. We note researchers have done a good job of accessing artisanal miners and women and giving them a voice. However, there is a need to increase the participation of people from vulnerable groups such as refugees, internally displaced persons, and seniors. Researchers need to include participants from non-researched groups such as Indigenous people. We conclude by proposing these groups of people be included in future research along with the increased application of unused or rarely used methods to ensure that impacted groups in mining host communities contribute to identifying and resolving socio-economic impacts of mining and contribute to Africa meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Published
- 2024
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