Loss of land and livelihoods from mining operations: A case in the Limpopo Province, South Africa

摘要: Abstract Loss or degradation of communal lands can have major implications for people’s livelihoods and well-being in rural underdeveloped areas. Mining operations are one driver land loss with negative people. This study assesses the livelihood effects open-cast mining on a village that lost 8 000 ha compares it to another nearby did not. The results suggest ecosystem services they provide has negatively affected strategies outcomes. On average, only 23 % households had crop fields compared an adjacent village, not lose mine, where 90 field. accounts substantial losses income through agriculture, both as cash earnings savings, affects household food security. As result mine community also access grazing, now many must pay graze their livestock other Furthermore, option harvest several key natural resources (provisioning services) non-timber forest products (NTFPs) such wild fruits vegetables, edible insects, fuelwood, lesser extent like reeds medicinal plants were due impacting local livelihoods. NTFPs important allow saving, generation act safety net fall-back during times increased vulnerability. findings give good indication changes agriculture resource use over time varying reasons this. Other from included; cracking houses blasting, dust pollution, water contamination, social cultural effects, alterations conflicts, very little was seen be gained terms employment Social Labour Plans (SLPs) corporate responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Households by approximately R 15 per year agricultural potential ability collect NTFPs, which is larger than annual incomes most households. value likely underestimate total lost, reductions grazing supporting, regulating included this figure. highlights importance considering associated land-based areas context disturbance change. Recommendations future assessments policy compensation communities made issues relating CSR discussed.