Spatio-temporal dynamics and socio-economic analysis of gold mining in the municipality of Ouahigouya in northern Burkina Faso

The Yaadga region (northern Burkina Faso) is facing a proliferation of artisanal mining sites, with eighty-two sites recorded in 2018 across the region, including eight gold panning sites in the commune of Ouahigouya alone. This study aims to analyse the spatio-temporal dynamics of gold panning as well as its socio-economic and environmental impacts in the municipality of Ouahigouya. The methodology adopted is based on a diachronic analysis of Landsat satellite imagery (2005 and 2023) and Google Earth imagery (2002, 2006, 2013 and 2021), supplemented by field surveys. The results reveal a decline in vegetation cover and progressive soil degradation, reflecting significant negative impacts on the biophysical environment. From a socio-economic perspective, this activity generates substantial income for households, with average earnings ranging from 10,000 CFA francs to over one million CFA francs during the dry season; however, due to the risk of landslides, the activity is slowed down or even banned during the rainy season. Despite the vital economic role played by this activity, it gives rise to enormous social challenges (school dropout rates, prostitution, child labour, precarious working conditions) and also exerts pressure on the biophysical environment (soil degradation, loss of vegetation cover). Given the negative social and environmental impacts of gold panning, regulatory measures that take the local context into account are needed to ensure a greater contribution to development.