Influence of mining related factors on the livelihoods of resettled communities in Kenya: the case of titanium mining in Mswambweni division, Kwale county, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of mining activities on livelihoods of resettled communities. The focus was on mining projects in Msambweni division in Kwale County. Substantial research has not been affected to determine how mining activities have influenced the livelihoods of residents in Msambweni. The study was guided by the following research objectives: to determine the effect of displacement, compensation on the livelihoods of resettled communities, economic resource distribution and environmental degradation on the livelihoods of the resettled communities in Msambweni division Kenya. The study employed a descriptive research design technique. The target population for the study involved participation of 381 households resettled in Mivumoni and Kinondo locations of Msambweni division in Kwale County. The sample size for the study involved 114 respondents who represented 30% of the target population. The respondents for the study were chosen through stratified random sampling and purposive sampling methods. The instruments used were questionnaires for household members and focus groups discussion for community members. The questionnaires and interviews were tested for validity and reliability prior to data collection. Data collected was analysed using qualitative and quantitative methods. Quantitative data was analysed with the help of SPSS while qualitative data was analysed using themes and sub-themes. The data analysed is presented in tables, pie charts, graphs and narrations. Result of the study showed that mining activities have negatively affected the livelihoods of residents in Kinondo and Mivumoni locations. Computed Karl Pearson correlation statistics revealed that displacement (r=0.118 and p=0.28), compensation (r=0.158 and p=0.147), economic resource distribution (r=0.172 and p=0.114) and environmental degradation (r=0.067 and p=0.541) had no significant influence on the livelihoods of resettled communities. The displacement process was not conducted fairly, the residents were not compensated for their crops, houses and other facilities adequately, they did not receive employment opportunity, their new areas were not favourable for agriculture, the social amenities (health centres and schools) were constructed far apart from where they settled, market centres for agricultural produce were not available, air, noise and water pollution had significantly increased and the standard of living had deteriorated. The study suggests that the there is need for reevaluating the whole resettlement process, EIA audit need to be conducted on the influence of mining activities on the local population and schools, roads, market centres and health centres need to be built. To address economic resource distribution, the mining company need to be compelled to ensure that it fulfil the pledges it made to the locals on the provision of employment opportunities to sons and daughters of displaced families in a more fair and transparent manner.