SOCIO-ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF ILLEGAL MINING ACTIVITIES IN ANTANG DISTRICT OF JEMA’A LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA.

Yunana, Mba Abui and Banta, A.L.

Department of Environmental Management, Kaduna State University, Kafanchan Campus.

Department of Agricultural Economic and Extension, Kaduna State University, Kafanchan Campus.

E-mail: abuimbayunana@yahoo.com,

ABSTRACT

In recent years the various activities of exploration and exploitation of Nigeria resources to satisfy our demand for consumer goods have had considerable effects and the natural environment. The socioeconomic effects of illegal mining activities in Atang District of Jema’a Local Government Area, Kaduna State, was investigated with the aim to determine the socio-economic effects of illegal mining activities on the Atang District. Primary data for the study were obtained from a total sample of 97 through random sampling techniques by application of structured questionnaires and personal observations. Descriptive statistical tools such as frequencies, percentages and tables were used to analyze the data obtained from the questionnaire. The result indicated that the illegal mining activities in Atang District brought about some benefits like building new houses, marrying new and additional wives and improving the standing living of the communities with the money realized from illegal mining. On the negative side of the illegal mining in Atang District include the lost of good land due to erosion, land crises, loss of animal and human lives in the mining pits, lost of soil fertility, drunkenness, drug addiction and social harassment. The paper recommended reclamation of land through leveling of mine spoil heaps and filling of mine pits is necessary. The reclaimed land could be used for plantation of trees such as Eucalyptus spp. which can be grown for producing poles and firewood. Soil conservation measures can be taken to control soil erosion by the use of cover crops on the farmland.