Harvesting “development minerals” for local needs in sub-Saharan Africa: The case of Malawi

This paper critically reflects on the impact of “development minerals” on rural livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on the case of Malawi. It does so by analysing data collected at multiple quarrying sites in Lilongwe District, with the objective of assessing how production of these commodities can help meet Malawi’s commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Findings indicate that despite their extraction being associated with environmental problems, development minerals do impact positively on the livelihoods of Malawians in rural areas where very few viable alternative income-earning opportunities. To maximise the sector’s contribution to the SDGs in Malawi, however, greater emphasis must be placed on formalising and supporting quarrying operations and other activities oriented around development minerals.