Incidences environnementales et socioéconomiques liées à l’exploitation artisanale de l’or en zone de savane : Cas de la préfecture de l’Ouham-Pende (RCA)

Abstract

Our topic entitled environmental and socio-economic impacts of artisanal gold mining in the savannah zone is based on the observation that artisanal gold mining activities are the one of the activities that cause of environmental and socio-economic impact in the Ouham-pendé prefecture. This justifies the choice of this study, whose objective is to assess the environmental and socio-economic impacts of artisanal gold panning. To achieve this objective, we used a methodology based on the hypothetico-deductive approach, using documentary research, direct observations, satellite images, surveys, interviews, questionnaires, the impact identification and assessment matrix. In order to obtain information on artisanal gold panning activities and their effects on the physical and human environment, 119 artisanal gold panners were surveyed by the means of questionnaires and 57 other people by means of the interviews guide. Results show that artisanal gold mining in the Ouham-pendé prefecture has minor impacts on the biophysical environment. This is because 75% of the effects are less significant compared to 25% of very significant effects. Artisanal gold panning affects vegetation cover, soil, air, and noise less significantly, due to the small area of forest affected, the very small size of mine shafts and the non-use of machinery. Its affects biodiversity to a moderate degree with the disappearance of flora and fauna, and very significantly affects watercourses, notably through sedimentation, pollution, destruction of waterbeds, and flooding of pits. On the socio-economic level, the negative impacts identified are major (80%) against minor positive impacts (20%). On the one hand, gold panning solves the problem of unemployment, to some extent, it generates employment, and income for gold panners and the surrounding population, the development of economic activities, and its significant contribution to the local economy. On the other hand, it results the abandonment of agriculture activities and the fraudulent circuit of gold products. Gold panning has very negative impact on the health, safety, and standard living of miners and local population, and leads to children leaving school.