Assessment of compliance level with the International Labor Organization child labour utilization regulation: Evidence from cassava farmers in Osogbo ADP Zone, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

Investigating the compliance level of International Labor Organization (ILO) regulation on child labour use among cassava farming households in Osogbo ADP Zone, Osun State, Nigeria, the study determines the factors influencing child labour usage among cassava farmers in the study area. Using a multi-stage sampling procedure, 120 cassava farming households were randomly selected and interviewed. Data for the study were obtained using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and a logistic regression model. Considering the age bracket, the study found that majority (89.2%) of the children, males aged between 15–17 years, were more exposed to child labour than females, combining schooling with farm work, citing liquidity constraints. Furthermore, most farmers do not comply with ILO regulations, engaging children in hazardous work on an average of 5.2 h per day, surpassing the 20 h per week threshold. Also, age of the household head (P < 0.1), household size (P < 0.1), and gender of the child (P < 0.05) significantly increased the probability of child labour use. The study recommends a compulsory schooling reform on child labour backed by blockchain technology monitoring ILO regulation compliance. We contribute to the international literature by highlighting the dangers of child labour and proffering evidence-based solutions.