The Role of Artisanal and Small Scale Mining on the Livelihoods of Members of Cooperatives in Ethiopia: Survey of South Wollo Zone, Amhara Region

광업은 에티오피아의 경제 확장에 주요한 역할을 담당했다. 특히나 개발도상국에서는 생계 수단으로 빈곤 해소에 중요한 역할을 담당하고 있다. 이 연구의 주요 목적은 에티오피아의 South Wollo Zone 협동조합이 영세한 조합원의 생계에 미치는 역할 분석을 통해 생존 수단으로서의 광업의 의미와 광업이 직면하고 있는 어려움을 살펴보고, 영세 광부들이 자신들의 한계를 극복하기 위한 대안으로 설립된 협동조합을 위한 전략을 찾는 것에 목적이 있다. 이를 위해 281명을 대상으로 하는 설문조사와 함께 반구조화된 인터뷰와 관찰을 적용하였다. 이를 통해 영세한 광부들의 조합이 그들의 생계와 밀접하게 관련해 있음을 알 수 있었다. 동시에 탄광 탐지 장비 문제, 안전 문제, 물 부족 등 광부들이 직면한 여러 문제를 알 수 있었다. 협동조합을 통해 광부들은 광업 확장 서비스 통합 시도 및 지역 지도자를 대상으로 하는 정기적인 교육 서비스 등의 지원에 긍정적인 것으로 드러났다.

The Artisanal and Small scale Mining (ASM) sector is an integral aspect of the world economy and has been a major contributor to the economic expansion of a large number of nations. The sector provides a means of subsistence for its participants and plays a crucial role in the struggle against poverty, particularly for economically disadvantaged sections of the society in developing nations. The primary objective of this study was to analyze the roles that artisanal mining has had on the livelihood of cooperative members in the South Wollo Zone of Ethiopia. Specifically, the goal of the study was to examine the socio demographic factors influencing the level of ASM Cooperatives participation in conservation activities, the availability of capital assets to ASM, and the difficulties that have been encountered in the business. Utilizing a questionnaire, 281 participants participated in a cross-sectional survey as part of the research strategy. In addition, a semi-structured interview and observation were used to corroborate the research's conclusions. The data were processed with SPSS software, and descriptive statistics were then employed for the study. The outcomes of descriptive analysis and logistic regression analysis indicate that ASM mining has a significant function and impact on the livelihoods of cooperative members. However, the research also revealed that artisanal miners in the area of study face a number of obstacles, including administrative and exploratory equipment, safety concerns, and a lack of water and infrastructure. In light of this, it is recommended that mining extension services be integrated and government should design a better strategies to enhance the level of participation in mining site conservations. All of these factors will enhance the sector's contribution.