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Summary:
This baseline assessment focuses on children aged 16-18 years old, and it examines the complex issue of child labour within Jordan's agricultural sector, focusing on the awareness of various stakeholders on child labour rights, compliance with labour standards, challenges faced by child workers, and the efficacy of existing support systems. The findings reveal substantial gaps in awareness, legal adherence, and support structures, necessitating comprehensive policy and practical interventions. Awareness of child labour rights is notably lower than awareness of general child rights, with only 21% of children, 50% of parents, and 46% of employees informed about child labour rights. This awareness varies significantly by region and gender, with distinct differences observed in areas such as Balqa and Madaba.
The agricultural sector is the second-largest industry for child labour in Jordan, accounting for 27.5% of the total child workers in the country. This is particularly concerning, as it is also one of the three most dangerous sectors for child labourers in terms of fatalities, accidents, and occupational diseases. Children working in agriculture are exposed to hazardous conditions such as handling dangerous machinery, exposure to harmful pesticides, and performing physically demanding tasks that can lead to severe injuries or chronic health issues. These conditions make the agricultural sector especially perilous for child workers who are still in their developmental stages.
Compliance with child labour standards remains problematic. Many child workers (age 16-below 18 years old) endure long working hours, with 51% working between five to eight hours daily and weekend work being common. The provision of protective equipment and safety training is inadequate, as only 22% of child workers have received safety training. Furthermore, the enforcement of labour laws is weak, with limited supervision and insufficient resources for inspections, leading to widespread non-compliance.
Child workers face numerous challenges, including significant health risks from exposure to hazardous material, such as pesticides, and the physical demands of heavy labour. Psychological issues such as stress, isolation, and depression are prevalent among these children. Additionally, balancing work and education leads to high dropout rates from school, exacerbating the long-term impact on their development and future opportunities.
Support systems and interventions for child labourers are insufficient, with a notable lack of awareness about available community programs and services, particularly in remote areas. Although there are successful initiatives by organizations, their reach is limited and often unsustained.
This assessment was conducted through the Grow Economy project, funded by the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), brings together a consortium composed of Acted (consortium lead), Action Against Hunger (ACF), Terre des hommes (Tdh), Phenix Centre for Sustainable Development (Phenix Center), the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN), ECO Consult, and National Agricultural Research Center (NARC).