Protective Community Index as a Measure for Child Labour: A Case Study of Cocoa-Producing Communities in Idanre Local Government Area, Ondo State

Özet

This study investigated the Protective Community Index (PCI) of cocoa-producing communities in the Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State, Nigeria. The Protective Community Index serves as a tool for evaluating community resilience and child protection mechanisms, especially in the context of child labor. This study ascertained the socioeconomic characteristics of respondents, determined the level of children's involvement in cocoa production activities, identified the availability of social amenities, and identified the available supporting welfare structures that protect and support children in cocoa-producing communities. Primary data were collected through purposive sampling from 168 respondents, including community leaders, cocoa farmers, teachers, and children across eight cocoa-producing communities. Structured questionnaires were used to gather accurate information. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, such as frequency, percentage, and mean, alongside inferential statistics, including Pearson Product Moment Correlation, to test hypotheses at a significance level of p < 0.05. PCI was measured using a tool developed by the International Cocoa Initiative (ICI). The findings revealed that The Protective Community Index (PCI) of the studied communities was moderate (57.6%). Cocoa farming and community leadership were dominated by middle-aged and older men, while teaching roles comprised a female majority (73.2%). Child labor, although not prevalent in hazardous activities, was linked to a school absenteeism rate of 5.4%. Children’s involvement in cocoa farming activities was low, with an average (mean) participation score of 16.74. The study also highlighted the inadequacies in social amenities, such as water and healthcare, and insufficient welfare structures, including scholarships and feeding programs. This study emphasizes the need for increased youth engagement in agriculture, gender equality in leadership roles, improved access to quality education, and enhanced social amenities to foster child protection and sustainable community development.