Assessment of the Awareness Level of Community Members on the Effects of Child Labour in Tanzania: Evidence from Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining in Morogoro, Tanzania

Abstract

Several studies have looked into the problem of child labour in Tanzania. However, a key issue that such studies have failed to cover relates to level of awareness among community members on the effects of child labour. This paper therefore, fills that gap in knowledge by assessing level of awareness among community members on the effects of child labour in Morogoro District.The study employed mixed methods approach with descriptive cross-sectional design and phenomenology.The target population for the study compromised social welfare officers,community development officers,most vulnerable children commitees members, and community members. Also the ward executive officers,village executive officers,child labouers,primary school eachers and employers were involved. The respondents were selected through simple random sampling,stratified sampling,purposive and convenience sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires,interviews,focus group discussions,observation and document analysis. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyze quantitative data while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. Study findings revealed quite low level of awareness among community members on the effects of child labour. The study recommends that the Department of Social Welfare in collaboration with   NGOs to conduct awareness raising   campaigns on the harmful effects of child labour.