Assessing the effect of village savings and loans in curbing child labour in tobacco farming: a case of Mpalo area in Ntchisi district

Abstract

Child labour is one of the most abusive experiences children in developing countries go through especially that which is common in agriculture. It was for this reason that this research study assessed the effect of village savings and loans (VSL) on child labour in tobacco farming in Mpalo area under Traditional Authority Chilooko in Ntchisi District. It had three specific objectives. The first one was 'to compare the lives of households before and after VSL model was introduced in Mpalo'. The second one was 'to evaluate the relationship which exists between VSL groups and child labour on tobacco farms and estates in Mpalo'. The third and last objective was 'To discover people's attitudes, opinions and suggestions about VSL as a strategy for mitigating child labour on tobacco farms and estates in Mpalo. The study used stratified and systematic random sampling techniques. The population from which the sample was drawn was made up of the following strata: children withdrawn from child labour (W/DC), Community Child Labour Committees (CCLCs), Mother Group members (MGs), teachers and extension workers (T&EWs) based in the study area as well as parents or guardians of withdrawn children (P/GWC). The research used a mixed methods reach design since both quantitative and qualitative research paradigms were adopted and data pertaining either type of design were collected simultaneously during the same field visit. Furthermore, the research philosophy that the study used was phenomenology since survey methods of data collection were in use, namely questionnaires and interview, both which contained structured and semi-structured questions. The study revealed that VSL was a worthwhile strategy in curbing child labour because of its promotion of education attendance for children, food security and general welfare of its members.