SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF BERYL EXPLOITATION IN THE NORTH OF THE ANKAZOBE DISTRICT (MADAGASCAR)

Socioeconomy

Numerous beryl deposits associated with pegmatites have been exploited in the north of the Ankazobe District since the 1950s. Currently, exploitation is essentially artisanal and on a small scale. The promotion of this beryl exploitation, even artisanal, could contribute to improving the socioeconomic conditions of the inhabitants of this area. To this end, the existence of reliable and up-to-date socioeconomic data is essential. A socioeconomic survey was carried out on a sample of the population of the commune of Andranomiely-Sud in order to obtain information on 81 parameters grouped within 7 socioeconomic factors: socio-cultural, education, eating habits, health, housing conditions, work and standard of living of residents. In this study, the socioeconomic impact was assessed by comparing miner and non-miner groups. For each parameter, a statistical test was applied, and conclusions were drawn based on significant differences between the two groups. In addition, information relating to the exploitation of beryl was collected in order to complete the study. The significant differences observed on the education factor, housing condition and standard of living of households; as well as information on beryl exploitation shows that non-mining households have a higher socioeconomic level than mining households, and the positive impact on operators is low. Furthermore, the study showed that education and the establishment of good market regulation are crucial for the promotion of the sector.

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