Effect of artisanal surface mining on agricultural land and labour availability in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria.

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of artisanal surface mining on the availability of land and labour for agricultural production in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State in Nigeria. The main objective was to assess the extent to which land and labour for agricultural production had been lost to mining activities. Structured questionnaire were administered to seventy-one (71) randomly selected farmers in three communities which represent the major mining areas in Ile-Ire district of Ifelodun Local Government Area. Data collected were analysed employing descriptive statistics and t-test. The study results indicated that significant amount of agricultural lands cultivated by small holder farmers have been lost to mining. Similarly, a significant proportion of the labour force available for food production has shifted to the mines. Results of the t-test also indicate that health related problems resulting from mining activities have negative effect on farmers’ productivity. It is recommended that government and its regulatory agencies enact laws that will regulate the activities of mining companies and those of artisanal miners to reduce the havoc perpetuated on productive agricultural lands.