Nearly 100 million boys and girls between ages 5 and 17 are engaged in child labour in agriculture, the International Labour Organisation, ILO, has revealed in its latest report.
The International Labour Organisation, ILO, in its latest report revealed that nearly 100 million boys and girls between ages 5 and 17 are engaged in child labour in agriculture.
ILO stressed that “many children are directly exposed to toxic chemicals while working in the farm, but children are also exposed when they help with family chores or play, and through the food they eat and the water they drink.”
“Limiting pesticide use and promotion of non-toxic alternatives is important for reducing exposure but education is equally crucial,” it said.
The organisation noted that children are far more sensitive to pesticides than adults, adding that exposure can result in acute poisoning and sickness immediately after contact. But often, it also has longer term chronic impacts on their health and development.
As a result, the ILO, with the help of a new training guide developed by the FAO, has developed a new visual guide to protect children and extension workers in Africa and elsewhere engaging with rural communities to reduce children’s exposure to toxic pesticides used in farming.