Mining-Linked Livelihoods, Institutional Constraints and Community Resilience in Selected Mining-Affected Settlements of Jos South L.G.A., Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) provides important livelihood opportunities in mining affected communities but may simultaneously weaken the environmental, institutional and adaptive foundations required for long term resilience. This study examined mining linked livelihoods and community resilience among 100 adults in selected mining affected settlements of Jos South L.G.A., Plateau State, Nigeria. Data collected using KoboCollect were analysed through descriptive statistics, a five-component formative Community Resilience Index (CRI), internal consistency diagnostics, exploratory factor analysis, group comparisons, spatial analysis and Heteroskedasticity Consistent (HC3) multivariable regression. 80% of respondents recognised an active or abandoned mining site near their communities, 71% reported living within 1Km of mining activity and 41% reported household involvement in mining. The overall CRI was 1.99 (SD = 0.34; 95% CI = 1.92 – 2.06), with 95% of respondents classified within the study defined low or very low resilience bands. Institutional Support recorded the lowest component mean (1.32), followed by Perceived Environmental Condition (1.96), Adaptive Capacity (1.97), Social Resources (2.16) and Economic Resources (2.55). Component Omega Coefficients ranged from 0.49 to 0.94, while Exploratory Factor Analysis retained four factors, supporting interpretation of the CRI as a multidimensional formative composite rather than a single latent construct. Household mining involvement was not significantly associated with overall CRI, although mining involved households reported significantly lower Institutional Support. Proximity within 1Km was also not significantly associated with overall CRI in the Bivariate Analysis. Although proximity became significant in the adjusted model, this association disappeared when perceived environmental condition were excluded from the composite. Rural residence were associated with lower resilience, whereas longer residence duration was positively associated with CRI. The findings reveal a livelihood resilience paradox in which mining related earning opportunities coexist with weak institutional support, limited financial resources, environmental stress and constrained adaptive capacity. Strengthening local governance, technical services, environmental rehabilitation, access to finance and realistic livelihood diversification is therefore essential for building durable resilience in mining affected communities.