Perception of the ecological and health risks associated with artisanal gold mining in Burkina Faso: the case of the Loto site in the southwest.

Abstract

Although a major source of income for vulnerable communities, especially in rural areas, artisanal gold mining has a negative impact on the environment and health, and is a source of conflict. Faced with this situation, knowledge of the factors determining the risks of this practice could contribute to better management of environmental and human health. For this reason, this study sets out to analyse the perception of risks associated with artisanal gold mining in Loto, in south-west Burkina Faso. To achieve this objective, surveys were carried out with one hundred and fifteen (115) people, including artisanal miners and local and administrative authorities. Data analysis was based on the weighted average method to calculate risk perception indices, and a logistic regression model was used to assess risk perception susceptibility. The results showed that gold miners perceived the risks of gold panning with an overall average index of 0.6. The factors that most influence risk perception are education, awareness, age, occupation, experience, motivation and/or reasons, and trauma. In addition, surveys have shown that artisanal gold mining leads to vegetation loss, soil degradation, pollution of water sources and dust proliferation. The main risks of serious accidents that can cause death are landslides, trauma, drowning and explosions (by blasting). In addition, the main illnesses encountered are trauma-related, fevers, malaria, digestive and respiratory problems, and sexually transmitted infections. The results of this study could contribute to the implementation of sustainable development policies in general, and public health policies in particular.