Causes and effects of the prevalence of child labor around Lake Victoria: a case study of Mwanza city

This study was undertaken in Ilemela and Nyamagana districts in Mwanza city. The main objective of the research was to identify the causes and factors influencing the prevalence of child labour in Mwanza fishing areas. Specifically, the study aimed at describing the factors that influence the involvement of children in child labour, the problems they face how they cope in the prevailing circumstances. The study targeted children aged 7-15, i.e. years of compulsory primary education. 70 children of this age-group and 25 adults involved in child welfare were interviewed. Both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques have been used, notably Interview, FGDs, Documentary review and observation. In order to collect some basic qualitative and demographic data, a semi-structured questionnaire was also administered to Officials and Non-government Organizations dealing with the welfare and rights of children. However, the results of data collection have revealed that the major reason that forces children to engage in child labour is poverty. Children’s family backgrounds, including family/marriage instability, orphan hood and child abuse, have largely contributed to their engagement in child labour. HIV/AIDS has also been noted to have added to the number of orphans, consequently exacerbating the problem of child labor. Given these findings, there is urgent need for the government to put into effect its policies and laws that enforce the abolition of the phenomenon of child-labour in order to protect children’s rights and needs as well as to give them a brighter future by supporting them to lead a better life. Through its various organs, the government should also ensure that these children are able to attend school uninterrupted, obtain a good health care etc. furthermore; the local government should hold parents accountable for their responsibilities in the affairs of their children.