Artisanal Mining in the ASALs of IGAD Region

Introduction

Economic integration in the Inter-Governmental Authority for Development (IGAD) region is driven by a wide array of initiatives aimed at addressing common development issues such as trade, investment on specific sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, bio-diversity and marine resources. About 80 percent of the 5.2 million km² of the IGAD region is arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) is rich in fauna and flora and has the highest number of livestock in Africa. However, these valuable resources are underutilized and remain potential drivers of local and national economies.