The impact of Covid-19 on gold and gemstone artisanal and small-scale mining in sub-Saharan Africa: The case of Ghana and Kenya

Artisanal and small-scale miners are facing unprecedented challenges due to the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. The paper adopts a practice-based approach examine impact of Covid-19 on gold gemstone artisanal mining (ASM) practices in sub-Saharan Africa. It highlights informality ASM discusses how Ghana Kenya governments’ measures have significantly increased vulnerabilities communities. Based document analysis responses Covid-19, industry reports, interviews with 29 stakeholders Kenya, identifies economic social impacts pandemic both countries. We highlight key policy suggest actions that can help mitigate negative has had ASM, which include need address sub-sector.