EFFECTS OF CULTURE ON THE USE OF CHILD LABOUR IN COCOA PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES IN ONDO STATE, SOUTH WEST, NIGERIA
Authors: Kayode-Alese O. B., Okunlola J. O. and Ayodele O. V.
Kayode-Alese O. B.: Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State. Nigeria.
Okunlola J. O.: Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State. Nigeria.
Ayodele O. V.: Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State. Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
This study focuses on the effects of culture on the use of child labour in cocoa production activities in Ondo State, South West, Nigeria. Purposive sampling procedure was used to select 240 respondents, (120 adults, 120 children) while descriptive and inferential statistics was used for analysis. 47.5% were 36-54 years with 72% male, 80.8% married while 26.7% completed secondary school. Awareness of child labour was through International Program on the Elimination of Child Labour, International Organization programs and others. The believe that children are not exempted from working on cocoa farm (63.3%), engaging children at any time is not a taboo (66.7%), working on farm is a way of exposing children to practical skills for future inheritance (73.3%) and, children are to be brought up to face challenges hence, use of children for child labour is in line with culture (77.5%). The study concluded that the awareness level of child labour is high but the culture still prevails. The study recommend that communities should be assisted by ILO, NGOs on alternative livelihood for increase in income and involvement in education of children in order to reduce generational poverty.
Keywords: Child Labour, Culture, Farmers, Cocoa, and Development