Assessing the societal impact of clay resource exploitation: Challenges and opportunities for sustainable pottery development

Abstract

Clay resource exploitation for ceramic production is often associated with both opportunities and challenges, raising sustainability concerns. The study examines the challenges and opportunities associated with clay extraction for pottery and ceramic production in Vume in the Volta region of Ghana, highlighting potential pathways for sustainability. Using a quantitative approach, structured surveys were administered to artisans, extraction operators, and community members. The findings reveal that while clay extraction supports economic activities and preserves traditional knowledge, it poses significant environmental, social, and financial challenges. Key challenges include ecological degradation, safety and health risks, and competition with mass production, with average indices of 3.12, 3.08, and 2.83, respectively. However, opportunities such as the preservation of traditional knowledge and community empowerment through cooperatives were identified as key factors for promoting sustainable development. Notably, policy development (average index of 2.45) was ranked as the least significant opportunity, while concerns about the sustainability of clay resource extraction (average index of 2.25) were perceived as the least significant challenge. The study underscores the need for policy interventions, regulatory frameworks, and sustainable practices to mitigate the negative impacts of clay extraction while fostering long-term economic and cultural sustainability.