This research project investigates the economic and health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescent girls in artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) communities in Ghana and Uganda.
It aims to understand how these adolescents coped during the pandemic and to identify interventions that can strengthen their resilience in future crises. The study focuses on the unique challenges faced by this underserved population and seeks to develop practical solutions to enhance their wellbeing.
Current Priority Area: Strengthening Adolescent Resilience in ASM Communities.
We are currently focused on identifying and co-developing a context-specific intervention to bolster the resilience of adolescent girls in ASM communities. This involves assessing their coping mechanisms during the COVID-19 pandemic and piloting a targeted intervention to support their economic and health wellbeing.
By developing and testing a tailored intervention, we aim to provide these adolescents with the tools and support they need to better withstand future crises. This initiative not only addresses immediate needs but also contributes to long-term strategies for improving the resilience and overall quality of life for young miners in these vulnerable communities.
Expandable List
Chidwick H, Randolph-Koranteng N, Kwagala B, Mensah D, Osei L, Wandera SO, et al. Exploring economic and health interventions to support adolescents’ resilience and coping in mining communities: A scoping review. Extractive Industries and Society. 2023;16(October):101369.
Patience N, Wandera SO, Kapiriri L, Chidwick H, Kwagala B. Sexual Behaviours and factors associated with consistent condom use among young male artisanal miners in Kassanda District. Afr J Reprod Health. 2024;28(August):48–56. Available here
Chidwick, H., Kwagala, B., Mensah, D., Owiredu, O., Osei, L., Kapiriri, L. (under review). Exploring Interventions to Enhance Adolescent Resilience in Mining Communities: Insights from Adolescents, Key Informants, and the Literature.
Kapiriri, L., Chidwick, H., Kwagala, B., Mensah, D., Owiredu, D., Osei, L. (under review). Implementing evidence-based participatory research approaches to empower last mile adolescent girls and young women: A detailed description of the study methods.
Kwagala, B., Randolph-Koranteng, N., Chidwick, H., Mensah, D., Nankinga, O., Osei, L., Ojiambo Wandera, S., Mutabazi, M., Asiimwe, JB., Ngabirano, F., Kapiriri, L. (under review). A Risky Coping Strategy: A Cross-Sectional Study on the Prevalence and Predictors of Multiple Sexual Partnerships among Adolescent Girls and Young women in Artisanal Mining in Uganda and Ghana.
Kwagala B, Chidwick H, Mensah D, Asiimwe JB, Wandera SO, Mutabazi M, et al. (under review) Determinants of Sexually Transmitted Infections among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Communities of Uganda and Ghana.
Randolph-Koranteng N, Chidwick H, Kwagala B, Osei L, Mensah D, Owiredu D, et al. Examining Global and National Policies on Interventions for Adolescent and Youth Resilience Across Economic, Health, and Mining Sectors: A Comparative Policy Analysis (Forthcoming).
Kapiriri, L., Kwagala, B., Owiredu, D., Chidwick, H., Mensah, D., Osei, L., Wandera, SO. (under review). Participatory prioritizing of health, economic and macro-level interventions by adolescents and young women working in the artisanal mining sector in Ghana and Uganda.
Project Team
- Betty Kwagala Principal Investigator: Makerere University, Uganda
- Lydia Kapiriri Co-Principal Investigator: McMaster University, Canada
- Deborah Mensah Co-investigator/PhD Candidate: Northern Empowerment Association, Ghana
- Lydia Osei Co-Investigator: University of Ghana, Ghana
- Stephen Wandera Co-Investigator: Makerere University, Uganda
- Miriam Mutabazi Co-Investigator: Uganda Christian University, Uganda
- Ngabirano Fred Co-Investigator & Decision Maker: Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Uganda
- Raphael Akati Mahama Co-investigator & Decision Maker: Youth Employment Agency, Savannah region, Ghana
- David Owiredu Collaborator: University of Ghana, Ghana
- Hanna Chidwick Post-doctoral Researcher: McMaster University, Canada
Researcher
Lydia Kapiriri
PhD
Professor, Health, Aging & Society
Adjunct & Associate Member, Institute on Globalization & the Human Condition
Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigenous Strategies