Mutations Socio Economiques del’e xploitation Miniè re Artisanale dans l a Région de l’adama oua : Cas De Kombo Laka et Fel

Artisanal mining has experienced significant growth across several rural areas of the Adamawa Region of Cameroon. Initially regarded as a complementary activity to agriculture and pastoralism, it is gradually becoming an integral component of the economic strategies of many local actors. This dynamic is contributing to profound transformations in the economic, social, and spatial structures of the communities concerned. This article examines the socioeconomic transformations associated with artisanal mining in the localities of Kombo-Laka and Fel. The study adopts a qualitative approach based on semi-structured interviews and direct observation. The findings indicate that artisanal mining generates income for some mining actors, while also contributing to the disruption of social ties and the displacement of subsistence-based economic activities. The mining localities under investigation have experienced significant socioeconomic transformations as a result of the expansion and, in some cases, intensification of artisanal mining activities. These transformations are reflected, in particular, in the weakening of existing social and economic structures.