Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) has become a prevalent non-farm rural livelihood practice among mineral-bearing communities in Nasarawa State, but its environmental impact on host communities is poorly understood. This study analyses the environmental effects of ASM on the livelihoods of rural communities in Endo, a community located within Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Based on the Sustainable Livelihood Approach, the study adopted a descriptive survey design in which data were collected from 150 respondents comprising artisanal miners, farmers, and household heads, supplemented with key informant interviews and field observations. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, and mean scores) and Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis. The findings revealed that ASM has resulted in land degradation, deforestation, water pollution, soil erosion, and loss of farmland, while also providing income diversification and employment opportunities for community members. The study further established a statistically significant relationship between the intensity of ASM activities and the decline of traditional rural livelihood practices such as crop production and fishing. The study recommends stricter enforcement of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, community-based environmental monitoring, mine-site reclamation, and livelihood diversification programmes for affected households.
Keywords: Artisanal Mining; Endo Community; Environmental Degradation; Nasarawa State; Rural Livelihood