COHABITATION ENTRE FONCIER AGRICOLE ET ORPAILLAGEAU MALI: Cas de la commune de Bancoumana

Context and background This study aims to study, through a socio-systemic approach, the cohabitation between agricultural land and gold panning, if not the occupation of agricultural land by gold panning. To this end, we decided to focus on the case of the rural commune of Bancoumana, Kati circle, Koulikoro region, an agricultural area par excellence, but faced with the invasion of gold panning. This commune, located on the outskirts of Bamako, is experiencing a desire for its land suitable for agriculture (cereals, citrus fruits, fruits and vegetables). Through this study, we ask the question of how agriculture coexists with gold panning? What are the effects and impacts of one on the other? What measures or arrangements have been taken by the political-administrative authorities to protect agricultural land from gold panning? How are these measures perceived by the populations, particularly farmers? Goal and Objectives: Study the cohabitation between agricultural land and gold panning. This involves studying the effects, if not the impacts, of one on the other. Methodology : To carry out the study, our approach is based on empirical research methods. First, we carry out a documentary analysis in order to pose the problem of the study. Secondly, we carry out field surveys using individual and collective interview guides with the stakeholders concerned, in particular farmers, gold miners, local and regional authorities, and managers of farmers' defense NGOs. For the analysis of the data collected in the field, we favored the analysis of thematic content according to our centers of interest. The data collected in the local “Bambara” language were transcribed into French for this purpose. Results : The results of the study reveal that the idleness of rural and urban young people explains their rush to gold panning areas. It also shows that gold panning seriously impacts agriculture, particularly family farming. The impacts are of several orders. Encroachment or invasion on agricultural areas, flight of agricultural labor, decline in agricultural productivity, decline in agricultural income and land conflicts between farmers and gold miners.