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Author
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Chiwetere, Panashe
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Title
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Experiences of vulnerable children involved in tobacco farming. a case of Bingaguru ward 10 Makoni district, Rusape.
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Abstract
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The study aimed at exploring the experiences of vulnerable children involved in tobacco farming, using a rural context, Bingaguru ward 10, Rusape, as the study location. The study employed a case study research design. The research was qualitative in nature and employed in-depth, key informant interviews and focus group discussions for the purpose of data collection. The study employed Bronfrenbrenner's Ecological Systems theory. The study findings revealed an alarmingly high involvement of vulnerable children in tobacco farming, performing hazardous and age-inappropriate tasks. The study identified several factors contributing to child involvement, including poverty, limited access to education, the dependence of tobacco farmers on unfair contractual relationships with tobacco companies, parental illiteracy, limited alternative crop opportunities, and lack of awareness and understanding. The study also found that child involvement in tobacco farming leads to physical hazards and health risks, educational disruption, and social isolation and play deprivation. Participants suggested strategies to mitigate child involvement, including educational interventions, social protection, and awareness-raising campaigns. Notably, the study puts across some recommendations. The study recommends a sustainable advocacy and awareness-raising program, accessible education for underprivileged children, government empowerment programs, provision of training and support to farmers in alternative livelihoods, supplementary feeding programs in schools and regular monitoring to prevent child involvement in tobacco farming.
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Date
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2024
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Publisher
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BUSE
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Keywords
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vulnerable children, tobacco farming, Rusape.
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Supervisor
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Mr. Njovu
