Sand Mining, Non-Farm Employment and a Local Labour Force in Rural Bangladesh

Abstract

This study focuses on the role of sand mining in rural livelihoods in Bangladesh, where the surge in sand extraction has raised environmental concerns. This study situates itself within the literature on Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM), emphasizing the vital role of sand mining in diversifying rural economies. We found that a mixed-methods approach, including a comprehensive livelihoods survey and qualitative fieldwork, was needed to uncover the importance of sand mining as a critical component of livelihood diversification. It serves as a stable income source, particularly for individuals with limited assets or education. The study highlights the predominantly local workforce in sand mining along Brahmaputra River near the city of Jamalpur, deviating from the typical mobile labour seen in ASM. Additionally, the study examines the potential effects of mechanization on sand labour, emphasizing the precarious nature of this livelihood.