Issues In Child Labour And Rural Community Development.
(A Study Of Ediene Community In Ikono Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State)
Chapter One
Introduction
Throughout the world, over 191 million children aged 5-4 years are engaged in economic activities, more than one third of these children – 74.4 million – are considered to be involved in employments which are hazardous to their physical and or mental health (international labour organization publication (ILO, 2006 Arct, 2004:121). With great efforts from the international community and national governments, child labour has declined in various, countries. The reduction has been more evidently observed in the Latin American and Caribbean region where child labour has dramatically fallen by two – thirds (ILO, 2006: 231). However, the same observation cannot be made in regards to the sub-Saharan Africa.
The incidence of child labour in this region continues or remain the highest for any continent, where 49 million children are found to be economically active (ILO , 2006: 235). As for Nigeria, the focus of our study and the most populous nation in Africa with 130 million individuals, it is pertinent to mention that there exists a high incidence of child labour rates within the country (Bass 2004, page 96). The most recent data indicates that above 26 percent of children aged 10-14 years in Nigeria are engaged in economic activity (ILO, 2006:103). Hence, the magnitude of children’s labour force participation in Nigeria serves as a compelling reason to investigate the consequences of child labour for children’s social and human capital development.
The global phenomenon of child labour can be attributed to several factors. The rapid population growth of many less developed countries, high rates of unemployment, inflation, and low wages have contributed to the occurrence and necessity for children to engage in economic activity (LOPEZ-Calva, 2009). Furthermore, in other studies at the micro-level, violence within the household has been found to be related to the occurrence or child labour (Long ford, 2004;Makhoul et al, 20004; Hasan and Debnath, 2009; Makhoul et al, 2004, Singh, 2006).
Latin America (Binder and Scrogin, 2004; Duryea and Arendskuenning, 2006; Taracan and Tevera, 2009, Wyer, 2008), and Africa (Adertino; 2006, Francavilla and Lyon, 2004, Hope, 2005). However, very few studies have reported about the dangers experienced by children at the household level in Urban Areas of Africa, furthermore, many of the previous studies on Africa have focused predominately on the effects of children’s activities in rural and agricultural area (Groolaert, 2006, Robson, 2008). As such, this paper seeks to document the consequences of child labour in urban Nigeria.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
The importance of children in the society cannot be over emphasized as they are treasured world wide for the simple reason that the baton of leadership will be landed down to them. They therefore need to be safe-guarded, their right to education, self-expression and freedom from exploitation need to the upheld, thus may developed countries deploy lots of resources to child development. Yet, it has been observed that children are being used for economic activities while they ought to be properly nurtured or be in school (Arat, 2005: 234). Despite the economic benefic of child labour, children face a myriad of problems in their daily activities which involve sales and services. One-third of the working children have experienced accidents, involving motor vehicles, furthermore, most of the children sexual molestation or asset while hawking on the streets.
1.3 objective of the Study
The main objective of this study is to investigate the factors responsible for child labour in Ikono Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State and the effects on the socio-economic development in Ediene Community. Other objectives of this study include the following:-
To investigate the problem faced by this children at their place of work.
To investigate the nature of labour this children are being exposed to.
To examine the possible effect on their health and their physical well-being.
To provide mitigative measures towards Childs labour in Ediene Community.
1.4 Significance of Study
Today, opinion leaders, policy makers and various non- governmental organization (N. G.O ) are concerned with the problems of breaking the various cycles or poverty and under development of the child.
This study will help to curb the prevalence and intensity of child labour and improve the Likelihood that children stay in school. It is against this back drop that this study investigates the provision of information among the rural populace in Ediene, Ikono Local Government Area, suggesting necessary platforms for meeting such needs comprehensively and adequately.
1.5 Statement of Research Hypothesis
{Ho}
There is significant relationship between child labour and rural community development.
{H1)
There is no significant relationship between child labour and rural community development.
1.6 Definition of the Concept
1. Issue: a point or matter of cussion, debate or dispute.
2. Child Labour: Refers to the employment of children in any work that deprives children of their childhood, interferes with their ability to attend regular school, and that is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous and harmful.
3. Rural Community: Is a geographic area with how population density and small settlement that is located outside cities and towns.
Community Development: Is a term given to the practices of civic activities, involved citizens and professionals to build stronger and more resilient local communities.
1.7 Limitation of the Study
This study was conducted basically in Ediene Community, Ikono Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State it focus on issues of child labour and rural community development.
There were problem encountered in the course of collecting data. The first problem was trying to explain the essence of the study it took some time to convince the people responding. Initially they viewed the research with suspect and they were so reluctant to respond to the question put to them on the questionnaires. There was also the usual difficulty of getting back the administrated questionnaires as well as getting a complete interview from a laboured children.
Leave a Comment