Socioeconomic Dynamics of the Ban on Artisanal and Small-scale Mining in Ghana: Implications for Household Welfare and Livelihood Strategies.

In 2017, sentiments against artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) activities escalated in Ghana. This led to a nationwide ban on all ASM activities; which reportedly employs many people including vulnerable youth and women. The study seeks to examine the implication of the ban for household welfare and livelihood strategies of the affect groups. The study will follow the mixed-methods approach. Thus, 500 miners will be randomly surveyed within the Ahafo and Western Regions. This will be followed by key informant/in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with relevant stakeholders. We will calculate propensity scores based on the likelihood of a household becoming involved in ASM activities, and then match households with similar scores. Average Treatment Effects (ATT) will be estimated to determine the effect of participating in ASM activities on household welfare. This proposed study would provide insights into how ASM influences economic, social and environmental outcomes in ASM-operational communities. Keywords: Artisanal and small-scale mining, Household Welfare, Livelihood Strategies