The Economic Contribution Of Small-Scale Mining On Youth Involved In Mining: A Case Of Simanjiro District In Manyara Region

ABSTRACT 

Poor livelihood of the youth in Tanzania has been a major challenge particularly in Mererani, indeed the rapid growth of the labour force and in ability of the economy of the country has pressed youth to move to the Small Scale Mining. This study is therefore designed to assess the Economic Contribution of Small Scale Mining on Youth in Mirerani- Sumanjiro. Specifically the study aimed at:  identifying the main economic activities of youth in Mererani mining area, examining the cash flow and expenditure pattern of youth involved in Small Scale mining activities in Mererani, assessing supportive environment to youth involved in S.SM mining activities in Mererani and identifying challenges which are facing youth involved in Small Scale activities. The study adopted a cross-sectional design. Samples of 47 youth engaged in mining were involved. From the findings it was found that youth in Small Scale mining engaged in mineral digging, mineral selling and entrepreneurship as the catalyst activities for economy growth though this did not provide sustainable income to most of youth. From the findings youth are faced by unsustainable incomes due to little investment made by them as a result of small capital obtained from Small-scale mining. Further, the study found little information on market searching, unclean environment, luck of latrines and little information on the effect of HIV/AIDS and deplorable transport systems. Finally it is recommended that, financial institution should take effort on educating youth in Small-scale mining the importance of saving and giving the loans and credit so as to improve economic status for the youth. Besides; the formulations of the sound laws and bylaws as well as the youth policy that reflect economic basis for the betterment of the youth.