Investigation of the Effects of Mining-Related Displacement on Livelihood Outcomes in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria

Physical displacement of communities for mining operations in Nigeria has generated substantial livelihood disruption, yet the extent and duration of livelihood impact at specific mine sites has been insufficiently documented using rigorous measurement frameworks. This study investigates the effects of mining-induced displacement on household livelihood outcomes in communities resettled from tin mine expansion areas in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. A longitudinal retrospective design was employed, comparing current livelihood conditions of 180 displaced households against their own pre-displacement conditions, using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework as an analytical lens. Structured household surveys, key informant interviews, and participatory wellbeing mapping exercises were conducted in eight resettlement communities. Difference-in-differences analysis compared outcomes between early-displaced and recently displaced cohorts. Findings reveal statistically significant declines in agricultural land access, food security, household income, and social capital among displaced households relative to pre-displacement baselines. Economic recovery to pre-displacement income levels has not been achieved by 74 percent of households after five or more years of resettlement. Women-headed households experience the most prolonged livelihood setbacks. Compensation adequacy, measured against replacement cost standards, is rated as insufficient by 81 percent of affected households. The study recommends adoption of the IFC Performance Standard 5 framework for resettlement planning and advocates for income restoration programmes extending at least five years post-relocation. Keywords: displacement, livelihood, mining, Plateau State, resettlement.