Impact of Household Social Capital on the Livelihood Vulnerability from Artisanal Mining in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Artisanal mining remains a vital livelihood strategy for many rural and low-income communities, attracting millions despite volatile mineral markets, environmental degradation, and limited institutional oversight.While it offers short-term income opportunities, artisanal mining often exacerbates household vulnerability, particularly in the absence of formal economic and social safety nets.This study assesses the impact of household Social Capital on the livelihood vulnerability from artisanal mining in Kaduna State, Nigeria.Questionnaire was used to collect data for the study, and analysed using descriptive statistics such as percentages and means.Findings reveal a higher livelihood vulnerability index among households in mining communities (0.474) compared to those in non-mining areas (0.327).Elevated vulnerability in mining areas was linked to demographic factors, including a high prevalence of female-headed households, large numbers of dependents, lack of leadership roles, and weak group affiliations.Additionally, mining households exhibited reduced access to social networks and organizational support.To address these challenges, it is essential for miners to remain engaged with their associations and to foster strong relationships within their communities to build resilience and mutual support.