THE IMPLICATIONS OF ARTISANAL SMALL-SCALE MINING ON FOOD SECURITY IN ZIMBABWE

Abstract

Like many sub-Saharan African countries, Zimbabwe's economy and household livelihoods have traditionally been anchored on agriculture and farming. However, a radical shift has been witnessed, resulting in unprecedented growth in artisanal and small-scale mining. Various theories attempted to explain this phenomenon, including agricultural poverty due to climate change, rising prices of minerals, and economic decline, among others. The rapid growth in artisanal and small-scale mining has both positive and negative implications for food smallholder farming and ultimately all the dimensions of food security. Based on the literature review method, this essay, therefore, examines the nexus between artisanal and small-scale mining and food security. This study is important in shaping policies that strike a balance between food security and other economic activities that support livelihoods, specifically for vulnerable communities, in a sustainable manner.