FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES

Name : Lisa N Moyo

REG Number : R236731F
Course : MSHE735 RESEARCH METHODS
AND STATISTICS
TITLE: Environmental Impacts on crop yields due to Small Scale
Chrome Mining
Background: Mhondoro Ngezi is located in the mafic intrusions of the Great Dyke and it has
deposits of platinum group elements which include platinum, palladium, rhodium and other rare
metals. These layered intrusions are also host to chromite rich seams, with chrome being
economically viable to mine for small scale miners. Small-scale mining is tolerated, and
sometimes encouraged in Zimbabwe due to the significant contributions to the country’s
economy. According to G.Hilson et al small-scale mining—low-tech mineral extraction and
processing—has long been an important industry in Africa for centuries, operations have
provided inhabitants of the rural, more impoverished regions of the continent with a wealth of
employment benefits and, more recently, have made important contributions to mineral wealth
and foreign exchange earnings. A lot of research has been done to assess how this type of
mining is impacting the environment especially in Gold mines but has not touched on the subject
of chromium deposits and how they would influence surrounding crop yields. Small scale
chrome mining has several environmental impacts such as land degradation, water pollution,
chemical contamination, deforestation and displacement of agricultural activities which play a
crucial role in shaping agricultural productivity, food availability, and access to nutritious food.
Therefore to understand the specific environmental impacts on yields in the context of small-
scale chrome mining in the area is essential for developing effective mitigation strategies and
implementing sustainable practices. This study investigates on the environmental impacts
chrome mining has on crop yields of the inherent communities.

Objective : The study is to comprehensively assess the environmental impacts on crop yields
due to small-scale chrome mining in Mhondoro Ngezi.

Specific Objectives :

1. Assess the extent of land degradation caused by small-scale chrome mining and its direct
impact on agricultural productivity and crop yields in the study area.This objective aims
to quantify the loss of fertile topsoil, erosion rates, and changes in soil quality resulting
from mining activities.
2. Investigate the presence and levels of soil contamination, particularly heavy metals,
resulting from chrome mining activities and its impact on crop growth, development, and
quality.This objective aims to analyze soil samples for the presence and concentration of
contaminants, such as chromium and other heavy metals, in agricultural areas affected
 by mining. It seeks to understand how soil contamination affects crop health, yield, and
the safety of agricultural produce.
3. Examine the effects of water pollution caused by small-scale chrome mining on crop
irrigation practices, water availability, and the growth and productivity of crops.This
objective focuses on assessing the quality of water sources used for irrigation and its
impact on crop growth and yield. It aims to understand how water pollution affects the
availability of clean water for irrigation and the direct exposure of crops to contaminated
water.
4. Evaluate the socio-economic implications of the disruption of agricultural practices due
to small-scale chrome mining and its subsequent impact on crop yields and food
security.This objective aims to understand the social and economic consequences of
displaced agricultural activities and the loss of agricultural land. It will assess the effects
of disrupted farming routines on crop production, farmer livelihoods, and community
food security.
5. Identify and assess potential mitigation strategies and best practices for sustainable
small-scale chrome mining that minimize environmental impacts on crop yields and
enhance food security.This objective aims to identify and evaluate existing or potential
measures to mitigate the environmental impacts of small-scale chrome mining on crop
yields.

Methods : A mixed method design with both qualitative and quantitative approaches are used in
this study. Firstly a thorough review of existing academic papers, reports, and publications
related to the environmental impacts of small-scale chrome mining on crop yields. This will
involve examining the findings, methodologies, and conclusions of previous studies to establish
a theoretical foundation for the research and identify any gaps in the current knowledge.
Secondly data collection, through surveys and interviews administered to local farmers,
community members, and relevant stakeholders like local agricultural officers to collect primary
data on crop yields. Thirdly conduct visits to the mining sites to observe and document the
mining operations, land degradation, and potential sources of pollution. This will involve taking
visual evidence, collecting soil and water samples, and making detailed notes on-site.
Quantitative analysis of the survey data using statistical techniques such as descriptive statistics,
correlation analysis, and regression models to be employed. Qualitative analysis involves
conducting a thematic analysis of the interview transcripts and field observation notes to identify
common themes, patterns, and narratives related to the environmental impacts on food security.
Review relevant policy documents, regulations, and guidelines pertaining to small-scale chrome
mining, environmental management, and crop yields in Mhondoro Ngezi. This analysis will help
identify existing mitigation strategies, policy gaps, and potential opportunities for integrating
environmental considerations into mining practices and agricultural initiatives. Throughout the
study, ethical considerations will be maintained by obtaining informed consent from participants,
ensuring confidentiality, and respecting the rights and privacy of individuals involved.
Sample size:

Determining the appropriate sample size for the research will depend on several factors,
including the population size, desired level of accuracy, and research objectives. In this case, the
sample size should be representative of the farmers and agricultural stakeholders in Mhondoro
Ngezi affected by small-scale chrome mining. Estimate the total number of farmers and
agricultural stakeholders in the study area. This can be obtained from local agricultural and
community organizations, government records, or previous studies.

Sampling Technique: Stratification is used due to the distinct groups of farmers based on
location, mining proximity and availability of resources. Determine the desired level of accuracy
or precision for the study findings. This expressed as a margin of error or confidence level. A
smaller margin of error requires a larger sample size to achieve the desired precision. Consider
practical constraints such as time, budget, and logistics when determining the sample size. It
should be feasible to collect data from the selected sample within the available resources.After
considering these factors, the sample size can be calculated using appropriate statistical formulas
or software. It is essential to ensure that the chosen sample size is sufficient to provide reliable
and meaningful results.

Problem Statement: The small-scale chrome mining activities in Mhondoro Ngezi, have
raised concerns regarding their environmental impacts. The problem at hand is the need to
comprehensively understand and address the specific ways in which these mining activities
affect the local food system, with a focus on the environmental factors that influence crop yields
in the area. There is a lack of detailed and localized research that specifically examines the
relationship between these mining activities and crop yields. This research aims to fill this
knowledge gap by investigating the environmental impacts of small-scale chrome mining on
crop yields in the area. It seeks to address the following key questions; how does land
degradation resulting from mining activities affect agricultural productivity, soil fertility, and
crop yields in Mhondoro Ngezi? What are the implications of water pollution caused by mining
operations on irrigation practices, water availability, and the quality of water resources used in
agriculture? How does the displacement of agricultural activities due to chrome mining
operations impact local food production, farmer livelihoods, and community food security? What
are the potential health risks and food safety concerns associated with environmental pollution
and contamination from mining activities, particularly in relation to crop production and
consumption? What existing mitigation strategies and policies are in place to address the
environmental impacts of small-scale chrome mining on food security, and how effective are
they in the local context? By addressing these questions, this research aims to provide a
comprehensive understanding of the environmental impacts on food security due to small-scale
chrome mining in Mhondoro Ngezi. The findings will inform the development of sustainable
mining practices, land rehabilitation measures, water resource management strategies, and policy
interventions to mitigate the negative effects on food security and ensure the long-term well-
being of the local community.