This article examines the dynamics of rural livelihoods in north-eastern Ghana within the context of a changing environment using evidence from the artisanal small-scale mining (ASM) sector. It employs both quantitative and qualitative research methods. The study shows that the challenges which confront rural subsistence farmers, including production risks of land degradation and encroachment on farmlands by ASM operations, are the main drivers of livelihood transformation by rural farmers. The study underscores that many rural farmers are pushed into ASM out of necessity, rather than being pulled by other reasons including a ‘get rich quick’ expectation. Drawing on the prevailing trend of livelihood diversification in rural communities, the study recommends incorporation of ASM activities into a broader rural livelihood framework through the development of supplementary livelihood programmes. This can provide opportunities for sustaining rural livelihoods. Although there has been recent literature on the dangers and contributions of ASM, this study makes a contribution to development studies thinking about ASM by underscoring the vulnerabilities as well as the resiliency of ASM households and communities.

中文翻译：

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加纳东北部的小规模采矿和生计动态：在不断变化的环境中维持农村生计

本文使用来自手工小规模采矿 (ASM) 部门的证据，研究了在不断变化的环境背景下加纳东北部农村生计的动态。它采用定量和定性研究方法。研究表明，农村自给农民面临的挑战，包括土地退化的生产风险和手工和小规模农业侵占农田的风险，是农村农民生计转变的主要驱动力。该研究强调，许多农民被迫从事手工和小规模农业是出于必要，而不是被其他原因（包括“快速致富”的期望）拉动。借鉴农村社区生计多样化的趋势，该研究建议通过制定补充生计计划，将手工和小规模采矿活动纳入更广泛的农村生计框架。这可以为维持农村生计提供机会。尽管最近有关于 ASM 的危险和贡献的文献，但本研究通过强调 ASM 家庭和社区的脆弱性和弹性，为思考 ASM 的发展研究做出了贡献。