Occupying the margins: Labour integration and social exclusion in artisanal mining in Tanzania

This article examines the marginal position of artisanal miners in sub-Saharan Africa, and considers how they are incorporated into mineral sector change in the context of institutional and legal integration. Taking the case of diamond and gold mining in Tanzania, the concept of social exclusion is used to explore the consequences of marginalization on people's access to mineral resources and ability to make a living from artisanal mining. Because existing inequalities and forms of discrimination are ignored by the Tanzanian state, the institutionalization of mineral titles conceals social and power relations that perpetuate highly unequal access to resources. The article highlights the complexity of these processes, and shows that while legal integration can benefit certain wealthier categories of people, who fit into the model of an 'entrepreneurial small-scale miner', for others adverse incorporation contributes to socio-economic dependence, exploitation and insecurity. For the issue of marginality to be addressed within integration processes, the existence of local forms of organization, institutions and relationships, which underpin inequalities and discrimination, need to be recognized.

Managing artisanal and small-scale mining in forest areas: perspectives from a poststructural political ecology

Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is an activity intimately associated with social deprivation and environmental degradation, including deforestation. This paper examines ASM and deforestation using a broadly poststructural political ecology framework. Hegemonic discourses are shown to consistently influence policy direction, particularly in emerging approaches such as Corporate Social Responsibility and the Forest Stewardship Council. A review of alternative discourses reveals that the poststructural method is useful for critiquing the international policy arena but does not inform new approaches. Synthesis of the analysis leads to conclusions that echo a growing body of literature advocating for policies to become increasingly sensitive to local contexts, synergistic between actors at difference scales, and to be integrated across sectors.

Shifting sand, shifting livelihoods? Reflections on a coastal gold rush in Ghana

Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) is often characterised as rush-type activity undertaken by people looking to ‘get-rich quick’. An alternative view posits ASM as poverty-driven activity which provides a valuable source of employment to a rural population where agriculture has failed to provide an adequate income. Against this dichotomy, this article critically reviews the short-lived, but high profile, gold rush which occurred on the beaches of Elmina, a fishing town in Ghana’s Central Region. At its peak, more than 1000 people, including local fishermen and career miners from the Western Region and Eastern Region of the country, were mining on the beaches. Drawing on interviews with miners and local business owners, the analysis explores the dynamics of the rush and its implications for understanding the ASM sector in Ghana. The discussion highlights the challenges associated with managing resources in dynamic and heterogeneous contexts, reconciling separate and conflicting sectoral priorities and the need to go beyond simplified and dualistic representations of the sector.

Decentralising natural resource governance in Ghana: critical reflections on the artisanal and small-scale mining sector

This paper critically examines the impact of decentralization on contemporary and future governance arrangements in Ghana’s artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector. The sector, while providing valuable employment in rural areas, is beleaguered by environmental and social issues. Proponents of decentralization argue that re-distributing decision-making authority leads to more responsive, transparent and efficient natural resource management. The analysis presented here, however, demonstrates how weak decentralization has exacerbated the complex, conflictual and clandestine nature of local resource politics surrounding ASM. If future decentralization reforms are going to reverse this trend and improve the governance of ASM in Ghana, then facilitating the participation of traditional authorities is imperative. It is argued that doing so requires addressing the reticence regarding the role of chiefs in resource governance; simply ironing out existing technical issues with decentralization reforms is unlikely to improve the social and environmental performance of ASM in the country. In light of the chronic resource management deficiencies in Ghana, epitomized in the ASM sector, fostering frank political debates on resource governance is becoming urgent.

Marine protected areas in artisanal fisheries: a spatial bio-economic model based on observations in Costa Rica and Tanzania

In many lower-income countries, the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs) involves significant opportunity costs for artisanal fishers, reflected in changes in how they allocate their labor in response to the MPA. The resource economics literature rarely addresses such labor allocation decisions of artisanal fishers and how, in turn, these contribute to the impact of MPAs on fish stocks, yield, and income. This paper develops a spatial bio-economic model of a fishery adjacent to a village of people who allocate their labor between fishing and on-shore wage opportunities to establish a spatial Nash equilibrium at a steady state fish stock in response to various locations for no-take zone MPAs and managed access MPAs. Villagers’ fishing location decisions are based on distance costs, fishing returns, and wages. Here, the MPA location determines its impact on fish stocks, fish yield, and villager income due to distance costs, congestion, and fish dispersal. Incorporating wage labor opportunities into the framework allows examination of the MPA’s impact on rural incomes, with results determining that win-wins between yield and stocks occur in very different MPA locations than do win-wins between income and stocks. Similarly, villagers in a high-wage setting face a lower burden from MPAs than do those in low-wage settings. Motivated by issues of central importance in Tanzania and Costa Rica, we impose various policies on this fishery – location specific no-take zones, increasing on-shore wages, and restricting MPA access to a subset of villagers – to analyze the impact of an MPA on fish stocks and rural incomes in such settings.

Projeto raia de fogo: aspectos populacionais da raia de fogo (Dasyatis marianae Gomes, Rosa & Gadig, 2000) e pesca de elasmobrânquios no complexo recifal do Parracho de Maracajaú

The species Dasyatis marianae inhabits coastal areas associated with coral reefs, considered endemic to the northeast of Brazil, occurring from the State of Maranhão to the south of Bahia. Specimens of this species are commonly sighted by divers and fishermen in the area of Maracajaú reefs, a complex reef that is part of the Environmental Protection Area of Coral Reefs (EPACR), which was developed in this study about the ecology and biology of the D. marianae, in order to characterize aspects of population structure in the area of the reef complex of Parracho de Maracajaú. We analyzed 120 specimens caught by artisanal fishing site of the size, weight, sex, stage of maturity and stomach contents. Most subjects were adult males (1.7:1) and was more abundant for rays with lengths between 25 and 29cm of LD, where females reach larger sizes, a feature common to other rays. The largest specimens were captured in the area of seagrass, which is preferred for the species. The distribution of species in the area showed an ontogenetic and sexual segregation, where the youthful occur near the beach, which is a likely area for nursery and growth of the adult females prevail in the seagrass, which apparently has a high prey availability, and Adult males are more distant, a higher proportion occurring in outlying areas, suggesting a habit more exploratory than the females. The evaluation of the reproductive system indicated 3 reproductive cycles per year, one young per pregnancy, and showed that the mature males were smaller than females. The cubs of D. marianae size at birth 12 to 15cm LD. As for diet, the species was characterized as carnivorous crustacean specialist. The performance of visual censuses in different localities allowed to evaluate the density of D. marianae in different environments of the complex. The species occurs in greater numbers in seagrass, environment very important for the conservation of the species. 100 individuals of D. marianae marked in reef complex area enrolled in a recapture rate of 3%. Some behavioral aspects were evaluated, as diurnal pattern of activity, interaction with cleaning and fish Pomacanthus paru followers as Lutjanus analis and Carangoides bartholomaei. Overall, much of the information obtained should be used for management of the species

Produção pesqueira artesanal: diagnóstico ergonômico e bases para um planejamento nutricional situado e a promoção da saúde dos jangadeiros

The traditional fishing with rafts is characterized by unpredictability, high stakes and inadequate work conditions. The extensive working hours, physical wear, inadequate nutrition, unsanitary conditions, lack of salvage equipment and instruments suitable working, added by the presence of changes in the nutritional status of fisherman, that contribute to the picture of insecurity in high seas, injuries and health. This study aimed to analyze the activity of the fisherman s from Ponta Negra, Natal / RN, and check the conditions of supply of these fishermen and their implications on health and development of their work. To this finality, was used a methodology based on the ergonomic work analysis employing techniques such as observational and interactional conversational action, listening to the answers, observation protocols, photographic and video records. The script conversational dynamic action was developed from literature searches about the artisanal fisheries, culture and food habits of this population, and analyzes the overall situation of focus and two reference situations. To collect data on the usual diet of fisherman as well as quantitative and qualitative analysis that was used for data analysis and 24h recall the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). The impact of this power to the health of fisherman was evaluated performing a nutritional assessment. The results revealed that the fishermen carry out their activities with poor working conditions, health and nutrition. Feeding practices of these fishermen undertake development work, making it even more stressful, as well contributing to the emergence of Chronic Noncommunicable Diseases. The management of the activity, as well as the current structure of the vessel, also contributes to the adoption of inappropriate feeding practices during the shipment of catch. The results of this indicate the need for adequate interventions in order to assist in recovery and / or maintenance of health of fisherman minimizing reflections of nutritional disorders for the development activity by improving the quality of life in this population

A oficina como método de desenvolvimento de projeto do produto aplicado à atividade jangadeira de Ponta Negra Natal-RN

The jangadas (brazilian fishing rafts) are rudimentary artisanal vessels intrinsic to the Northeast of Brazil. The fishery with jangadas is highly representative in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, and source of income for many families in addition to being a strong cultural icon. Is still alive despite the difficulties, bringing the history and customs of the fishermen and their people. However, is in process of extinction due to factors such as the low profitability of the activity, tourism and urbanization. From the understanding of activity involving their context and circumstances, based on identified problems regarding the conditions of use of jangadas as the unpredictability, the risk of accidents, poor working conditions, hygiene and housing, this dissertation aims to: analyzing the design of the jangada on the beach of Ponta Negra and its relationship with the activity in relation to health, safety, productivity and environment, and from such assessments, together with the results achieved during the workshops of the project, proposing a cart to move the raft, adapted to the local fisherman activity studied. To perform analysis of jangadeira activity, we used a methodology based on ergonomic work analysis - AET (WISNER, 1987; GUÈRIN, 2001; VIDAL, 2008, SALDANHA, 2004 and Carvalho, 2005). For data collection were used observational and interaction methods as a conversational action, verbalizations, photographs and video. It is emphasized that the search for solutions appropriate to the jangadeira activity was possible through the collaboration of several people, not just an informational level and understanding during the work activity, but effectively contributing to the making decisions

Territorialidade e pesca: atualidades e tradições no uso dos recursos pesqueiros na comunidade litorânea da praia da Pipa Rio Grande do Norte

The need for sustainability in the exploitation of natural resources in coastal areas has been out in recent years, as well as the social and cultural sustainability of traditional communities in these regions. Coastal and estuarine wild areas are influenced directly or indirectly by a set of human activities such as artisanal fishing. Therefore, there is a demand for an integrated design of these areas and according to the landing values, a pattern of unsustainable development of national marine fishing activity. The study was conducted in the coastal community of Praia da Pipa, Tibau do Sul municipality, RN, between june 2009 and june 2010 and aimed to characterize the fishery performed, its socio-economic strategies and fishing areas, as well as to identify ichthyofauna, to assess the sustainability of the major resources and to identify cultural traits related to artisanal fisheries, their problems and prospects; linking tradition and the present fishing activity carried out in the community. For this study, a total of 67 structured interviews were collected, including qualitative and quantitative data. A total of 133 fish landings and direct observations were performed. Informants were identified according to one of the following categories: fishermen, vessel masters and members of the local population with offspring. Applications SPSS 10.0, Paint.Ink and Microsoft Office Excel 2007 were used for tabulation and analysis of results. Local fishermen are, on average, 25 years fishing, have 40 years old and the average monthly income is up to 03 minimum wages. The local fleet consists of 20 vessels, that uses different line sizes and types of networks, operating in 21 fishing grounds and showing a reduction in the vessel numbers by 66% in the last decade. We recorded 76 species of fish, captured by the local fleet and the top 5 were quantitatively analyzed serra spanish mackarel (Scomberomorus brasiliensis), little tunny (Euthynnus alleteratus), yellowtail snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus), red snapper (Lutjanus analis) and common snook (Centropomus undecimalis), accounting for 46,5% of production in the period. The capture of these species was composed mostly of adults. Data analysis showed a significant decrease of the local fishing activity over the last decade due to the weakness displayed by the political-social category, the devaluation of local knowledge and the emergence of new sources of income through increased tourism. The characteristics of the fishing community suggest it to pass through significant changes as the appreciation of their cultural and traditional aspects. We identified a tendency to sustainability of main species caught, suggesting that public policies to be adopted locally comply with the current characteristics of fishing undertaken in the community and knowledge of fishermen related to the environment, allowing environmental, as well as social and cultural sustainability of the community involved.

Vinculando a etnoictiologia às evidências biológicas para explicar o declínio da riqueza da ictiofauna neotropical

The diversity of fish species from South America has been affected by various anthropogenic practices. Some studies have reported the influence that illegal transferring or introduction of exotic species have on the trophic webs of continental lakes. The loss of diversity on fish populations and consequent impacts on fishery are commonly evidenced in these cases. The Brazilian Northeast has ponds for which exotic Amazonian species were transferred as Extremoz Lake. These environments serve as study models for comparison and investigation about the possible impacts of these introductions. We tested the hypothesis that loss of species that this trend can be related with the insertion of the genus Cichla, commonly documented as top predator in its endemic environment. Possible structural causes that interfere in other processes such as migration were also investigated. Thus, the local ecological knowledge of fishermen and a current ecotrophic model were used. We took samples of phytoplankton, zooplankton and fishes during two annual cycles. Concurrently, we made interviews with the fishing community. In fact, there are relations between the loss of fish and the insertion of peacock bass in Extremoz Lake. However, Cichla kelberi was not indicated as primary factor to explain fish species decline. The construction of bridges located in the Rio Doce was main factor for respondents and what explains loss of species. The migration of saltwater fish and / or from the river to Extremoz Lake is hindered by the unsuitability of the crossing-streams that are under these structures. According to the ecotrophic model Hoplias malabaricus was considered key-species and Cichla kelberi top predator. This last trend was similarly noticed in the stomach and local ecological knowledge of fishermen analysis. Overfishing simulations to Cichla kelberi resulted that only raising its captures in 200%, other native species would increase their biomass values only 15 to 30% (in 6 years).The negative effects of the alien species introduction without prior studies and lack of investments in appropriating these constructions to the needs of the fish fauna structures seem to act simultaneously. Both are causing the decline of fish species richness and consequent local artisanal fishery collapse

Injuries and envenoming by aquatic animals in fishermen of Coxim and Corumbá municipalities, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil: identification of the causative agents, clinical aspects and first aid measures

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Recursos pesqueiros oriundos da pesca artesanal no reservatório de jurumirim, rio Paranapanema, Alto Paraná, Brasil

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the artisanal fisheries in the village of fishermen of Bairro da Ponte, Jurumirim reservoir. Data were collected using production forms which were filled daily by a data collector, in 2005 and 2006. The fishery yield was estimated at 15.7 kg ha(-1) year(-1), the average yield was 12.5 t year(-1) and catch per unit effort (CPUE) was 10.5 kg fisherman(-1) day(-1). We recorded 26 species of landed fish in this activity, being the "traira" (Hoplias malabaricus) the most landed fish in terms of biomass with 6,158.5 kg, representing 24.5%, of the total landed. Seasonally, the CPUE ranged from 14.5 kg fisherman(-1) day(-1) in summer/2005 to 9.0 kg fisherman(-1) day(-1) in spring/2006. The average CPUE by type of fish also showed a marked seasonality. In summer of 2005 and 2006, "curimbata" was the most landed fish, with CPUE kg fisherman(-1) day(-1) of 6.9 and 6.2, respectively. The "piavas" were the most landed fish in autumn with CPUE of 2.4 (year 2005) and 2.3 (year 2006) kg fisherman(-1) day(-1), and "traira" in winter with CPUE ranging from 3.0 to 4.0 kg fishrman(-1) day(-1), in 2005 and 2006, respectively. The mathematical modeling of simple linear regression indicated positive relationships between the monthly fish production and the number of boats in activity and of fishing trips. The study concluded that fishing is sustained only by native species; with marked seasonality for catching fish and that the area of fishing examined of the Jurumirim reservoir is among the most productive areas of the Upper Parana basin.

Artisanal fisheries in a Brazilian hypereutrophic reservoir: Barra Bonita reservoir, middle Tietê river

Esse estudo avaliou aspectos quantitativos qualitativos do desembarque pesqueiro no reservatório hipertrófico de Barra Bonita. Os dados foram coletados mensalmente (julho/2004-junho/2006) em três localidades e informações sobre captura, esforço de pesca e técnicas de pesca foram registrados de 745 desembarques, totalizando 86.691,9 kg de pescado capturados. As espécies mais capturadas foram as exóticas tilápias, especialmente a tilápia-do-nilo (Oreochromis niloticus L.), que representaram 82,5% da biomassa total. A produtividade pesqueira do reservatório foi de 11,1 kg/ha-1/dia-1 com uma Captura Por Unidade de Esforço de 62,4 kg/pescador-1/dia-1 . Cinco técnicas de pesca foram identificadas: tarrafas, rede de espera, rede de arrasto, pesca da batida e pesca da batida + rede de espera. Análise de DCA relacionou as estratégias ativas com a captura de tilápia, as estratégias passivas com a captura de Pimelodus maculatus (Lacepède) e Triporthues angulatus (Spix & Agassiz) e a estratégia mista com a captura de tilápia, cascudos e Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes). Os resultados da ANCOVA foram significativos para todas as variáveis analisadas (época, local de pesca e técnicas de pesca). Os resultados mostram uma substituição da pesca da corvina, Plagioscion squamossisimus (Heckel) na década de 1990, pela tilápia-do-nilo. A substituição pode ter sido provocada pelo aumento da eutrofização do reservatório, aliado à mudança das estratégias de pesca. A pesca no reservatório de Barra Bonita seguiu padrões de outros reservatórios eutrofizados brasileiros, com a pesca sustentada pela exótica tilápia-do-nilo.

Entre tradições e modernidade: conhecimento ecológico local, conflitos de pesca e manejo pesqueiro no rio Negro, Brasil

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

The venomous toadfish Thalassophryne nattereri (niquim or miquim): report of 43 injuries provoked in fishermen of Salinópolis (Pará State) and Aracaju (Sergipe State), Brazil

Os peixes da família Batrachoididae causam um grande número de acidentes em pescadores das regiões Norte e Nordeste do Brasil. O gênero Thalassophryne apresenta várias espécies no Brasil e a espécie Thalassophryne nattereri é a mais comum, todas apresentando veneno. O veneno é inoculado por duas espículas ocas na nadadeira dorsal e duas nas regiões pré-operculares, ligadas a uma glândula de veneno na base. Os envenenamentos causaram dor intensa, edema e eritema iniciais em 43 pescadores observados em Salinópolis (Pará) e Aracaju (Sergipe). em todos os casos, não ocorreram fenômenos sistêmicos dignos de nota, mas ocorreu necrose local em oito pacientes e infecção bacteriana em dez. As circunstâncias dos acidentes são comentadas, assim como aspectos terapêuticos. Nossa conclusão foi que o envenenamento por Thalassophryne é importante e freqüente e deve ser considerado de média gravidade, em função de não haverem fenômenos sistêmicos, como observado nos acidentes por peixes-escorpião (Scorpaena) ou arraias marinhas e fluviais.