SOCIO – CULTURAL IMPLICATIONS OF ARTISANAL AND SMALL SCALE MINING ON RICE FARMING COMMUNITIES IN JEMA’A LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE

Abstract

Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) plays an important role in rural livelihoods by providing employment 
and income opportunities. However, its rapid expansion generates significant socio – cultural, environmental, 
and economic challenges in many farming communities. This study assesses the socio – cultural implications 
of artisanal and small-scale mining on rice farming communities, revealing strong perceptions of its 
significant impacts. A total of 327 questionnaire was administered to respondents for data collection, and 
analysed using descriptive statistics including mean scores, percentages and NVivo software. The findings 
indicate that mining activities have substantially altered social structures (X = 4.89) and increased inequality 
in access to resources (X = 4.87), suggesting a growing divide within communities. Furthermore, mining has 
influenced local governance systems (X = 4.70) and posed a threat to traditional ways of life (X = 4.74), 
highlighting disruptions to cultural norms and leadership patterns. The results also show that mining 
contributes to shifts in community dynamics (X = 3.83) and a decline in agricultural practices (X = 4.13), as 
labour and attention are redirected from farming to mining activities. This trend poses risks to rice production 
and rural livelihoods. Concerns about sustainability (X = 4.13) further emphasise apprehension regarding the 
long-term environmental and economic viability of mining. Additionally, changes in leadership approaches to 
agricultural issues (X = 4.12) suggest reduced prioritisation of farming, potentially exacerbating food 
insecurity. However, the relatively low mean value for community identity and pride (X = 2.22) indicates that 
respondents were divided or generally disagreed on whether mining negatively affects their sense of identity. It 
is therefore recommended that agricultural support programmes such as access to credit facilities, improved 
rice seedlings, farm inputs, and youth empowerment initiatives should be introduced to encourage farmers and 
young people to return to agriculture and promote sustainable rural livelihoods.