Economic Evaluation of the Impact of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining on Agricultural Labour Productivity and Household Food Security in the Ahafo Region of Ghana: Developing an Integrated Agricultural–Mining Coexistence Framework for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods

This study examines the economic implications of artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) for agricultural labour productivity and household food security in the Ahafo Region of Ghana. It investigates the relationships between household participation in ASGM, agricultural labour allocation, farm productivity, livelihood diversification, land and environmental pressures, and household food security. The study applies descriptive and econometric techniques to assess differences between mining-participating and non-participating households and to identify the major socioeconomic and institutional factors associated with agricultural productivity and food-security outcomes. The analysis further develops an Integrated Agricultural–Mining Coexistence Framework that brings together labour allocation, land degradation, livelihood diversification, household income, food security, and institutional-support pathways. The study contributes to understanding how mining and agriculture interact within rural livelihood systems and provides policy insights for promoting a more sustainable coexistence between artisanal mining and agricultural production in mining-affected communities in Ghana.