African Applied Freshwater Ecology (Fisheries/Aquatic/Environmental) | 25 September 2008
The Impact Assessment Framework for Mining and Agricultural Land Use in Zambia: A Methodological Approach
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Abstract
Mining activities in Zambia have significantly impacted agricultural land use, leading to a need for robust assessment methodologies. The study employed a mixed-methods approach combining remote sensing data with field surveys to assess land use changes, soil quality alterations, and crop yield impacts. A multivariate regression model was used to estimate the relationship between mining activities and agricultural performance. Remote sensing analysis revealed a 10% decline in arable land coverage due to mine reclamation efforts over the past decade. The developed framework provides stakeholders with actionable insights for sustainable land use planning, mitigating environmental degradation from mining operations. Stakeholders should prioritise soil remediation and integrated pest management strategies to enhance agricultural productivity in affected areas. The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.