Of Natural Resources, Poverty Alleviation and Local Communities: Case of Quarry Mining in Mutoko District (Zimbabwe)

Abstract

A good  local resource base can benefit local communities as people are able to exploit available natural resources to their advantage. The astronomically high unemployment levels in the country have exacerbated the attendant poverty levels, which has led to local communities seeking alternative survival strategies. In the case of Nyamuzuwe, the local community has embarked on the exploitation of black granite quarry to irk out a living. However, it has been noted that the local community has derived socio-economic benefits from the quarrying venture, while on the other hand, the quarrying activity has taken its toll on the local environment.  Consequently, the paper examines the socio-economic and environmental impacts of black granite quarrying on local communities in the community of Mutoko District. A total of 185 respondents were selected through random sampling and data was collected through questionnaires. Additionally, focus group discussions and interviews were conducted to establish the extent of spin-offs from black granite quarrying which cumulatively brought infrastructural development, stimulated vending, employment creation, improvement in housing, and the provision of transport to the area. However, there has been negative environmental impact emanating from quarrying. Black granite quarrying activities have resulted in lowering of water table for agriculture, loss of agricultural lands, demolishing of graves and health problems and land degradation. Additionally, air, water and noise pollution have been a culmination of quarrying in the area. However, there have been attempts at restoration and intervention measures by Natural Stone Export Companyin the form of re-afforestation, review of methods of operation and provision of alternative sources of drinking water to the affected communities. The authors recommend that the company revise its environmental management policy in the area to ensure that negative socio-economic and environmental effects of mining activities in the area remain minimal.