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Operationalization of the sustainable livelihoods framework to the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector. A contribution towards sustainable ASM-based livelihoods
Delgado Jiménez, J. Alejandro
Delgado Jiménez, J. Alejandro
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2023
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2024-12-24
Abstract
This dissertation examines how artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) can be mapped onto the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) and to what extent this mapping can guide stakeholders interfacing with ASM. To achieve this operationalization, we have developed three research activities that addressed the role of capitals and institutions in the ASM context and put together capitals and institutions to address vulnerability. This dissertation was developed developing the following research questions:
1. How are livelihood assets present in the ASM contexts, and how are these capitals operated to pursue an ASM-based livelihood?
2. What is the role of institutions in operating the formalization of ASM-based livelihoods and improve ASM’s sustainability?
3. How capitals, institutions, and vulnerability can be integrated to operationalize the SLF onto ASM contexts?
To attain the research goals, two study cases were conducted in Colombia. The first study case, developed in Marmato, identified the five forms of capitals in this ASM site and examined how they are mobilized and their interactions with one another. The study concluded about the usefulness of this approach for mapping and informing the potential of ASM to exist as a more sustainable rural livelihood. The second study case, developed in Buriticá, examined how a formalization program with ASM operators acted as institutional arrangements that structured a relationship to regulate access to ASM livelihood under legal, technical, and economic rules. The study concluded that the institutions' approach offers a practical alternative to identify some challenges and strategic issues for developing formalization programs and policies to support sustainable outcomes for ASM as a livelihood in rural communities.
Finally, the concepts of capital, institutions, and vulnerability were integrated with the findings in the case studies of Marmato and Buriticá to operationalize the SLF in ASM contexts. This operationalization approach is based on articulating the existing local livelihood capitals with functional institutional arrangements to reduce the vulnerability context where artisanal and small-scale miners operate. Therefore, this study concludes the relevance of the sustainable livelihoods framework as a helpful tool for directing policy and development interventions in artisanal and small-scale mining contexts.
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