Traditional Beliefs in Small-Scale Gold Mining of Chunya, Tanzania: A Portrait of Witchcraft Narratives in the Activity
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Rationale of Study – Traditional beliefs and witchcraft narratives remain influential in many African livelihood systems, including small-scale mining communities. In Chunya District, Tanzania, such beliefs are frequently associated with gold discovery, productivity, protection, misfortune, and social relations within mining areas. This study examined the role of traditional beliefs and witchcraft narratives in shaping small-scale gold mining practices, socio-economic interactions, environmental behaviour, and governance dynamics in Chunya District. Methodology – A qualitative research approach was employed, whereby data were collected through interviews and focus group discussions with 50 purposively selected participants, including miners, local leaders, and community members. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings – The findings revealed that traditional beliefs continue to influence miners’ decisions, interpretations of success and failure, access to productive sites, and responses to accidents or declining yields. Witchcraft narratives were also found to contribute to secrecy, mistrust, fear, and accusations among miners, thereby affecting co-operation and social cohesion. At the same time, some participants perceived these beliefs as sources of psychological assurance, cultural identity, and informal regulation within mining communities. The study further found that tensions exist between indigenous belief systems and formal mining regulations, particularly regarding environmental management, safety compliance, and institutional trust. Implications – It has been concluded that traditional beliefs remain a significant socio-cultural force in Chunya’s mining sector, producing both supportive and disruptive outcomes for sustainable development. It is recommended that mining policies and interventions adopt culturally sensitive, participatory, and environmentally responsible approaches that recognise local realities and promote safe, productive mining practices. Originality – This study brings together witchcraft narratives, resource competition, environmental behaviour and mining governance within a single analytical framework. Hence, explains the interaction of such aspects in the context of small-scale gold mining in Chunya District, Tanzania.
DOI: 10.70759/h3jn0626
Author: John Jackson Iwata
Language: English
Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7204080435