Child Time Allocation and Child Labour among Groundnut Traders in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

This paper evaluated the socio economic characteristics of child time allocation to marketing of groundnut and schooling in Ebonyi state. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 95groundnut traders in the study area. Primary source of data collection was used. Descriptive statistical and simple ratio analysis indicates that groundnut marketing was dominated by females who had little or no education. Also those who are married exceeded those who are single and widowed. Distribution according to child work category revealed that children (mean 13.2 years) who assist parents to sell their wares do so during school over hours and spent well over 30hours a week on the street and market places which exceeds the standard time by UNICEF. Results of the simple time allocation ratio shows that the child is exploited and child abuse is eminent the state if not checked. This study recommends that the government should intensify efforts on revalidating Universal Basic Education (UBE) and enact a law mandating all school-age children not to be found hawking during school hours.