Contribution of mining on local economic development amongthe community members

Abstract

The study investigated the contribution of mining to local economic development among community members in Rupa Sub-county, Moroto District. In the research, mining was treated as the independent variable, while local economic development was considered the dependent variable. The study adopted a convergent parallel research design, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches to ensure triangulation and enhance the credibility and validity of the findings. The research was conducted specifically in Rupa Sub-county, located in Moroto District a region known for its mineral wealth, particularly artisanal and small-scale mining activities. Data collection involved a sample of 92 respondents, selected through a combination of stratified random sampling, simple random sampling, and purposive sampling techniques. These methods were used to ensure representation across different community segments, including miners, local leaders, youth, and women. Primary data was gathered using structured questionnaires and interview guides, designed to assess the extent to which mining contributes to local economic development. Key indicators considered under local economic development included income generation, employment opportunities, infrastructure development, and community welfare. The study's findings revealed that mining contributes only 7.4% to local economic development in Rupa Sub-county. This figure falls significantly below the expected benchmark of 15%, highlighting a relatively low impact of mining activities on improving the economic wellbeing of local communities. This limited contribution is attributed to factors such as the dominance of informal and artisanal mining, lack of value addition, weak institutional frameworks, and limited community participation in the mining value chain. Data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), version 23. The study concluded with key recommendations, including the need for stronger regulation of the mining sector, capacity building for local miners, increased investment in infrastructure, and inclusive participation of community members in mining-related decision-making processes. additionally, the study suggested areas for further research, such as the environmental impacts of mining in Moroto District, the role of gender in mining activities, and comparative studies on mining's contribution to development across other Sub-counties.