A Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award
of the Degree of Masters of Science in Economics (MSc. Economics) of Mzumbe
University
This study identifies and examines socio-economic factors, which influence child
labour in tobacco farming. The study is based on the field survey conducted in Urambo
District. Logistic regression modeling was used on a sample of 253 households to
determine the influence of education level of parent household, household meals per
day, gender, distance from home to school and family parenthood type on children
participation in tobacco farming. The study found that the parent’s primary education
and secondary education level, number of meals taken per day are strongly significant at
5%, 1%, 5% respectively and positive determinant of child labour in tobacco farming
in the district. However, university/college education of parent household, gender and
distance from home to school were not significant factors. Moreover, the outcomes of
Odd ratio to be greater than one (1) give us some important indications about the future
prospects of children participation in tobacco farming. Since the odd ratio of the
variables one meal and two meals per day (indication of family wealth) are 6 and 2
respectively are greater than 1 then the odds of not participating in tobacco farming are
greater per unit increase in meals taken. Thus, the children living in more wealthy
families (three meals per day) are less likely to participate in tobacco farming. Since
education odd ratio is less than 1 then the odds of experiencing the characteristic of
children participation in tobacco farming is lower for children whose parents have high
education level. Based on the findings, the study provides policy recommendations to
address the problem of child labour in the area and in other areas facing similar
problems.