Situational Analysis of Child Labour in Coastal and Marine Activities in Zanzibar, Tanzania

Authors

Happiness Anold Moshi, University of Dar-es-SalaamFollow
Rukia Kitula, University of Dar Es SalaamFollow

Abstract

This study analyses the situation of child labour in coastal and marine activities in Zanzibar, Tanzania, by examining activities carried out by children, the major driving factors for engaging in child labour, as well as the associated impacts to children’s schooling and wellbeing. Questionnaire survey, focus group discussions (FGDs), participant observations, and key informant interviews (KII) were all used to collect data for the study. The study involved a total of 90 children, who were randomly selected among working children in coastal and marine activities. It was found that most of the working children were involved in fishing, fish descaling, or fish vending; often involving long working hours and the exploitation of children. Child labour in these activities was found to be associated with frequent punishment and failing of school examinations. Fatigue and injuries were the major health problems faced by the children engaged in child labour activities. Poverty, cultural norms, family size and distance from home to the ocean were revealed as the significance drivers of child labour in coastal and marine activities. It is recommended that awareness on child labour and its consequences on children’s future life should be raised among community members. Also, there is need to put an end to the employment of child labour in coastal and marine activities: while culture and norms should be respected, of first priority should be children’s rights to school and wellbeing

Recommended Citation

Moshi, Happiness Anold and Kitula, Rukia (2025) "Situational Analysis of Child Labour in Coastal and Marine Activities in Zanzibar, Tanzania," Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences: Vol. 14: No. 1, Article 7.
DOI: 10.56279/3ga0n680
Available at: https://commons.udsm.ac.tz/jhss/vol14/iss1/7