| dc.description.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. | en_US |
