Unregulated Artisanal Mining and Threats to Environmental Peacebuilding in Mazowe District, Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe

This study assessed the effects of unregulated artisanal gold mining on environmental security and environmental peacebuilding in the Mazowe District of Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe. This was a qualitative study and had a sample of 75 participants. In-depth interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and observations were used to collect data. Key findings were that unregulated artisanal mining in the Mazowe area was fueling environmental insecurities. These insecurities manifested as social, political, and economic conflicts affecting communities. The environmental conflicts associated with unregulated artisanal mining in the district are fueled by many actors, including the political elites. The study concluded that these environmental impacts have both short-term and long-term implications for environmental security and environmental peacebuilding. The study recommends a participatory approach to addressing the environmental challenges and to adopt a systems approach that considers the broader political economy of artisanal mining in the district.