Social-ecological dimensions of sand mining in West Africa

This dissertation explores the social-ecological dimensions of sand mining in West Africa, focusing on the capital cities of Bamako (Mali), Accra (Ghana), and Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). Driven by rapid urbanization, sand mining provides essential construction materials, yet it is widely unregulated and accompanied by extensive environmental and socio-economic consequences. The empirical studies employed mixed-method approaches, including structured und unstructured interviews, measurements of environmental parameters, and counts of loaded sand trucks, to assess sand mining systems, their organization, and effects. In Bamako, artisanal sand extraction from the Niger River revealed a lowering of the riverbed but no effect on water turbidity, while fostering symbiotic relationships with farming and fishing livelihoods. Around Accra, terrestrial sand mining caused severe land degradation, soil fertility loss, and negative effects on agricultural productivity and communal livelihoods. In Ouagadougou, a variety of aggregate mining systems were observed, with artisanal granite quarrying exposing high levels of informality and precarious labor conditions. Across the study sites, mining systems differed widely in scale, method, source, and governance, reflecting regional dynamics while collectively supporting urban infrastructure. The identified linkages between urban and sand systems are bi-directional and multi-dimensional, revealing the complex interplay between these interconnected systems. The findings underscore that while sand mining remains essential for urban development, it comes with considerable social-ecological costs. Mitigating these effects requires multi-level governance, the adoption of alternative construction materials, and integrated approaches that balance urban demands with rural realities to safeguard the environment and the well-being of future generations.