Kachia: The Christian Rural and Urban Development Association of Nigeria (CRUDAN) has intensified efforts to eradicate child labour in the ginger supply chain in Southern Kaduna. The association has also urged collective action from communities, NGOs, farmers, agricultural extension workers, policymakers, and other critical stakeholders.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, CRUDAN made the call at a one-day Stakeholders’ Debriefing, Learning and Sustainability Workshop on Child Labour Awareness Creation in Ginger Production held in Kachia, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The workshop brought together participants from Fai in Jaba Local Government Area and Kachia LGA to review progress, share findings, and develop sustainable strategies to address child labour in ginger-producing communities.
Speaking at the event, the Project Consultant, Mr. Michael Agon, stated that the programme was part of ongoing efforts to eradicate child labour in the ginger supply chain in Southern Kaduna. Agon explained that the main goal of the awareness training was to educate communities, farmers, processors, policymakers, and other stakeholders on the dangers and long-term impacts of child labour on children and society at large.
Agon emphasized that child labour deprives children of their childhood, education, and future potential. He highlighted that as of 2020, about 160 million children globally are engaged in child labour, with Sub-Saharan Africa recording the highest prevalence, underscoring the urgency of local action. He further noted that about 79 million children worldwide were involved in hazardous work that could harm their health, safety, or moral development.
He identified poverty, lack of access to education, weak enforcement of laws, harmful social norms, and low awareness levels as major drivers of child labour in ginger-producing communities. The objectives of the engagement included evaluating the effectiveness of current prevention and remediation strategies, reviewing data from assessments and inspections, strengthening coordination among stakeholders, and developing clear action plans with timelines and responsibilities.
Mrs. Ruth Danladi from Fai described the workshop as timely, noting that many families unknowingly involve their children in farm activities that interfere with schooling. She emphasized the importance of community leaders working with parents to ensure children remain in school.
Mr. John Bako, a ginger farmer from Kachia, pledged support from farmers to eliminate child labour in the supply chain, highlighting the importance of protecting the future of children through proper awareness and support.
In his remarks, Mr. Samuel Luka, a schoolteacher in Kachia, stated that teachers have a crucial role in identifying and supporting at-risk children. He pointed out signs such as absenteeism, fatigue, and poor academic performance that must not be ignored and stressed the need for strengthened collaboration with parents and relevant authorities.
Participants at the workshop agreed on the necessity of sustained collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, supplier companies, traditional and religious leaders, schools, and law enforcement agencies to prevent and respond effectively to child labour cases.