Comparative Analysis of Economic Trade-Offs Between Soil Degradation Caused by Artisanal Gold Mining and Long-Term Crop Yield in North Central, Nigeria.

This study examined the comparative economic trade-offs between soil degradation associated with artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) and long-term crop yield in North-Central Nigeria. Specifically, it evaluated the contribution of ASGM to soil degradation and declining crop yield, assessed the extent of land degradation resulting from mining activities, and compared the short-term economic benefits of mining with long-term agricultural losses. A descriptive survey research design, complemented by elements of a mixedmethod approach, was adopted. The study covered selected mining communities in Niger, Nasarawa, and Plateau States. From a population of 1,004 respondents, a sample of 286 was determined using the Taro Yamane formula, while 276 valid questionnaires were retrieved, representing a 96.5% response rate. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, alongside Pearson correlation and multiple regression at a 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed that ASGM significantly contributes to soil degradation and declining crop yield (Grand Mean = 4.29). Mining activities caused severe land degradation through vegetation loss, soil erosion, abandoned mining pits, water pollution, and reduced farmland availability. Pearson correlation revealed a strong positive relationship between ASGM and soil degradation (r = 0.748, p < 0.05), while regression analysis showed that soil degradation significantly negatively affects crop yield (β = −0.631, p < 0.05). The study concluded that although ASGM provides short-term economic benefits, its long-term adverse effects on agricultural productivity outweigh these gains. Consequently, stricter environmental regulation, land restoration programmes, and the adoption of sustainable mining practices are recommended.