Authorities in Magwi County of Central Equatoria State say the growing illegal gold mining activities involving youth are threatening food security and education, as many young people abandon farming and school for gold mining sites in Kit.
County officials say the number of people joining the gold rush this year has sharply increased, with school-going children and parents among those involved. Every morning, motorcycles carrying sacks of maize and beans are reportedly seen heading to the mining areas.
Mannix Augustine, Director for Agriculture and Environment in Magwi County, warned that energetic youth are leaving farming for illegal mining activities, describing the trend as “another war” against farming communities. Authorities fear the situation could worsen during the school holidays as more children join the mining activities.
The Agriculture Department also blamed climate change, insecurity, and poor market prices for pushing families toward quick income from gold mining instead of farming.
Some residents, however, say mining has become an alternative source of income. Joska Anyek, who mined gold between January and March before returning to farming, said the activity helped her raise money for school fees and second-season farming.
Community and church leader Okot William Macmot expressed concern that the trend is increasing school dropouts and gender-based violence, as many women and children are leaving their responsibilities behind.
Kilio Boma women leader Achayo Josephine warned that abandoning farming for gold mining could worsen hunger and poverty despite the quick cash earned from the activity.
Magwi County Commissioner Lam Gabriel urged parents not to involve children in gold mining, stressing that the work is physically demanding and unsuitable for underage children.
