Urban Mining as a Livelihood Strategy: The Case of Scrap Metal Trade in Tema-Ashaiman Metropolis.

Abstract

With the urbanisation of the world's population proceeding apace and the increasing demand for metals putting permanent pressure on natural resources, metals have become a priority area for decoupling economic growth from resource use and environmental degradation. This is imperative if cities are to remain relevant in ensuring appropriate levels of supply and reduce the negative environmental footprints in the quest for global green economy. In that perspective, urban mining has been vital and increasingly importantas societies have recognized the need for sustainability. The study was about the informal scrap recycling in the Tema-Ashaiman Metropolis (TAM). The purpose was to examine the importance of scrap recycling as a sustainable livelihood option. This was done by examining the scrap participant‘s chain of activities, their modus operandi and their motives that lead them into the trade. The study also examined the incomes of the scrap metal participants and how secured and reliable are their incomes were. It further examined some environmental and health challenges associated with the informal scrap recycling trade. The study was carried out using qualitative research design and employing semistructured interview guides, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and direct observations. A total of 35 respondents from the TAM took part in the study. The results revealed that using secondary resources through ―urban mining‖ temporarily unlocked the resource embedded in the scrap metals. Additionally, it has become ‗sustainable livelihood opportunities‘ for the urban poor. In that respect, getting all stakeholders on board is crucial in the quest for meeting the increasing metal needs of the future in a sustainable way. Though, a daunting task for policy makers, the study recommends the need to adopt a wide, systemic approach based on understanding the industrial and economic factors driving the recycling industry. Such acknowledge base will allow developing a coherent regulatory framework and powerful incentives for all stakeholders to participate in recycling to guarantee transition to a resource efficient society.