FACTORS INFLUENCING RURAL TO URBAN CHILD MIGRATION AND RISK FACTORS FOR ABUSIVE LABOR TASKS IN WOLKITE TOWN

Abstract

The general objective of this research was to identify factors influencing migration and the risks of abusive labor for the children's labor force in Welkite Town in 2015. And the specific objectives of the study were to identify the push and pull factors in child migration, explore the possible areas of the working force to be engaged, and assess the impact of engaging in abusive labor on their social wellbeing (education, health, and social interaction with their peer group). The research was conducted using qualitative research methodology, and the study employed a phenomenological research design and used purposive sampling techniques to get the informants. The researchers employed in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions as data collection tools to gather information to attain research objectives. Data from the informant was analyzed using thematic qualitative analytical research methods. The result of this research is that there are many factors influencing rural-to-urban child migration. One of the reasons for the finding was poverty; the others were: disintegration of families or loss of parents; poor social service; poor child care culture; family's low value for education; domestic violence; seasonal factors; and displacement due to war. and children after migrating engaged in small work like domestic servants in the private sector and selling items on the streets. And finally, for children who engage in labor, their social well-being (education, health, and social interaction with their peer group) is affected, and their labor has negative consequences for their social wellbeing. And the research recommends government and NGOs intervention, family planning for large families, poverty alleviation, and economic support for poor households and children. Finally, children should be engaged in school at an early age.