Influence of Artisanal Mining and Environmental Pollutants on Food Security in Southern Africa: A Systematic Review

Environmental pollutants caused by mining activities are an emerging global problem of the current century, contributing to millions of deaths and significant economic and social effects. Mining discharges of heavy metals are the most studied, but their impact on food security is not well understood. The main objective of this study is to provide an overview of the environmental pollutants related to food insecurity in Southern Africa involving artisanal mining activities. A systematic review of peer-reviewed publications was conducted using available electronic databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo, EBSCO-b-on, and Google Scholar) from January 2013 to September 2023. Information on environmental exposure and consequent human risks and impacts in artisanal mining in Southern Africa was selected, analyzed, and synthesized. Our search yielded 867 records, and after systematic screening, 74 scientific publications were retained for the final analysis. Most studies (58%) focused on environmental pollutants related to nutritional conditions and food security. However, only 12% of the studies were related to artisanal and small-scale contexts, with mercury being the most studied heavy metal in occupational and environmental hazards. In addition, few studies focused on vulnerable groups, such as women in reproductive ages and children, and none addressed water or vector-borne diseases and/or malnutrition conditions. Environmental hazards related to mining activities are poorly described in the pathways that may influence food safety in surrounding communities exposed to mining activities. Most studies were related to occupational risks and hazards, with mercury being the primary focus. Future research should address the diversity of environmental hazards to which artisanal and small-scale mining communities are exposed, including pathways of contact with pollutants and their consequences for the health and well-being of the most vulnerable groups.