Abstract:
This study aimed at analysing the vulnerabilities and opportunities that temporary inter-rural child
labor migrants’ experience at destination and associated livelihood outcomes on migrants and their
households at origin in Sekela district. The study utilized mixed methods research involving multi sited research approaches. While questionnaire was the primary source for the quantitative data,
FGDs, KIIs, and ICIs were principal sources of qualitative data. Varied methods of analysis
including Propensity Score Matching (PSM), binary regressions, one-way ANOVA, chi-square
test, and t-test were employed for the quantitative data analyses. Thematic analysis was used for
the qualitative part. Most child labor migrants cited local economic pressures such as limited
access to modern goods, food scarcity, and environmental degradation as reasons for their
migration. Furthermore, the expansion of commercial farms in destination areas, influenced by the
globalized market, also played a significant role. Based on empirical evidence, it appeared that the
availability of farmland and the extent of livestock ownership were critical in determining whether
households participated in child labor migration. Additionally, the presence of migration networks
and the number of dependent household members were found to increase the likelihood of
household’s involvement in child labor migration. It is found that children migrating for labor were
susceptible to exploitation and harm during their journey. Their age, which is below the legal
working age, coupled with working in locations away from their homes, exposed them to dual
vulnerabilities. They faced multiple risks including precarious employment conditions, health
risks, market risks, and risks associated with crime, among others. The impact of shocks or risks
on child labor migrants was largely shaped by multiple & interconnected institutional, socio economic, and environmental factors at different levels, particularly at their destinations.
Depending on their working conditions, they employed risk management strategies to address their
challenges. These responses varied in effectiveness; while some effectively mitigate risks, others
may inadvertently worsen them, resulting in more severe outcomes. Regarding the impact of child
labor migration on food insecurity, the PSM analysis indicated that child labor migration
significantly increased dietary energy consumption, with sending households experiencing an
average increase of 192.84 kilocalories per day compared to non-sending households, based on
nearest neighbour matching method results. On the other hand, child labor migration had mixed
results on the education of child labor migrants. Though it affected their school enrollement, it did
not significantly force them to drop out their education pointing towards that quality of education
was compromised. Child labor migration supported migrants and their households but it was at
the expense of children’s vulnerability. Therefore, to maximize benefits and reduce risks, policy
makers should focus on balanced actions at the place of origin and destination. Establishing
support groups at migration destinations and expanding labor inspectorates to ensure continuous
safety monitoring of child labor migrants are also crucial.
Key words: Child labor; Migration; Vulnerability; Opportunity; Destination; Working conditions