Artisanal gold mining, which is booming in the Seke-Banza Territory, has adverse effects on the agricultural production of the main speculations, in particular cassava, maize, groundnuts, paddy rice and beans. This article analyzes, from a field survey and bibliographic and documentary research, the effects of artisanal gold mining on agricultural production in Seke-Banza. The results obtained indicate that artisanal gold mining has favored the reduction of food production areas, the flight of agricultural labor to the benefit of this new conquest for gold, the reduction of agricultural work time and the agricultural land degradation. This results in a decrease in agricultural production due to the deterioration of factors of production. The mitigation of these effects requires the implementation of certain actions proposed by the gold panning actors met. These actions are summarized by good governance (laws that protect highly productive agricultural areas, commonly called «agricultural production basin») the revaluation of agriculture (rehabilitation of the National Agricultural Extension Service, rehabilitation of agricultural service roads and others related extension support services) and supervision of artisanal gold miners (rehabilitation of the Assistance and Supervision Service for Small-Scale Mining SAEMAPE).

This study aims to improve knowledge on discharges of industrial effluents and their effects on receiving waters. It focuses on the analysis of physicochemical parameters (pH, temperature, COD, BOD5 and SS). Water samples were taken at three industries (cosmetics, pharmaceutical and brewing) in the city of Kinshasa. The results showed high levels for the parameters measured in the majority of the stations. In addition to pH and temperature, the contents of COD, BOD5 and SS of the effluent is much higher than the limit values set by WHO for industrial discharges to receiving waters. This could be major health risks for the population of the study area.