An exploratory study on the psychological effects of illegal mining on women and children in suburb area of Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Illegal mining has transpired into a serious psychosocial and economic problem with significant implications on children and women in Nigeria. The study delve into the psychological implications of illegal mining activities in Ilesha are of Osun State. The study focused on three specific objectives to (a) explore how the perceive the presence of the illegal miners in their community (b) explore how it affect their psychological wellbeing and that of their children. (c) delve into how it affects their socio-economic other areas of their lives. The study used qualitative study particularly Focus Group Discussion to investigate and assessed the objectives. Ten native settlers were selected using convenient sampling method to elicit responses based on the objectives. The study found a quite number of emerging themes that confirmed issues with psychological wellbeing and economic implications. The study concluded that the women and children consist a vulnerable group that is mostly negatively imparted by the presence of illegal miners. The study recommends a stringent rule to stop the activities of the illegal miners and ensure that if mining must take place, the original settlers must be compensated monetarily and still ensure that they feel safe in their communities.