Impacts of illegal Artisanal and small-scale gold mining on livelihoods in cocoa farming communities: A case of Amansie West District, Ghana

The study delves into the intricate ramifications of Illegal Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) on cocoa farming and rural livelihoods in the Amansie West District of Ghana. A mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative descriptive research design was used after sampling 150 respondents. Findings of the study revealed that while ASGM ostensibly presents economic opportunities, its deleterious effects on the environment, living standards, and societal cohesion are glaringly evident. Challenges related to land availability, labor constraints, and the encroachment on cocoa farmlands constitute significant threats to the sustainability of cocoa farming. Also, Correlation and regression analyses revealed both positive and negative impacts of increased ASGM on livelihoods. The socio-economic repercussions of ASGM reflect a nuanced interplay between positive aspects such as increased capital and employment, and negative consequences encompassing escalated living expenses and social maladies. Importantly, the findings underscore the urgency for policy interventions aimed at safeguarding cocoa farmlands and bolstering alternative livelihoods. Strategies encompassing the incentivization of cocoa farming, the creation of local employment opportunities, and the implementation of alternative livelihood programs stand poised to alleviate the adverse impacts of ASGM. Tackling the systemic issues of bribery and corruption intertwined with influential figures exploiting ASGM activities emerges as pivotal in fostering sustainable rural development. The study therefore recommends amongst others integrated land use planning, environmental restoration and rehabilitation, regulatory frameworks and enforcement, community engagement and education, financial diversification and support, and technological innovation. •We examine the impacts of illegal Artisanal and Small-scale gold Mining (ASGM) on cocoa farming in the Amansie West District of Ghana.•ASGM activities were found to have positive and negative consequences on cocoa farming.•Factors driving ASGM involvement included huge profit, land and labor availability, low yield amongst others.•Recommendations to address the negative impacts of ASGM included sustainable development initiatives.