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"The ladder that sends us to wealth": Artisanal mining and poverty reduction in Tanzania

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  • Fisher, Eleanor
  • Mwaipopo, Rosemarie
  • Mutagwaba, Wilson
  • Nyange, David
  • Yaron, Gil

Abstract

This article explores the contribution that artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) makes to poverty reduction in Tanzania, drawing on findings from research on gold and diamond mining in Mwanza Region. The evidence suggests that people working in mining or related services are less likely to be in poverty than those with other occupations. However, the picture is complex; while mining income can help reduce poverty and provide a buffer from livelihood shocks, people's inability, to obtain a formal mineral claim or to effectively exploit their claims, contributes to insecurity. This is reinforced by a context in which ASM is peripheral to large-scale mining interests, is only gradually being addressed within national poverty reduction policies, and is segregated from district-level planning.

Suggested Citation

  • Fisher, Eleanor & Mwaipopo, Rosemarie & Mutagwaba, Wilson & Nyange, David & Yaron, Gil, 2009. ""The ladder that sends us to wealth": Artisanal mining and poverty reduction in Tanzania," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 34(1-2), pages 32-38.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jrpoli:v:34:y:2009:i:1-2:p:32-38
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Eleanor Fisher, 2008. "Artisanal gold mining at the margins of mineral resource governance: a case from Tanzania," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 25(2), pages 199-213.
    2. Hilson, Gavin & Pardie, Sandra, 2006. "Mercury: An agent of poverty in Ghana's small-scale gold-mining sector?," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 31(2), pages 106-116, June.
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