An Integrated Model for the Elimination of the Worst Forms of Child Labour in Seasonal Agriculture in Hazelnut Harvesting in Türkiye

The project aims to contribute to the elimination of the worst forms of child labour in seasonal agriculture in hazelnut harvesting in Turkey. The project in the Black Sea region of Türkiye is being implemented jointly by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security of Türkiye and the ILO.

Project Overview

The project’s overall objective is to help eliminate the worst forms of child labour (WFCL) in seasonal agriculture in line with the Turkish Government’s strategy (National Employment Strategy (2014-2023) and the National Programme for the Elimination of Child Labour (2017-2023). In this context, the project has focused on:
  • developing a strategic intervention model to eliminate child labour in seasonal hazelnut harvesting;
  • scale the strategic intervention model up in other regions where seasonal hazelnut agriculture exists as well as implement monitoring activities in sending province (hometown of seasonal agricultural workers) and contribute to policy development;
  • raise awareness of broader policy advocacy and to contribute to efficient implementation of developed policies.
The project has been initialized in Central and Perşembe districts of Ordu province in 2013. Following a successful project period, the project site has been enlarged to Fatsa and Ünye districts of Ordu in 2014. Based on the lessons learnt, the project is prolonged with second phase (2015-2017) covering Sakarya, Düzce and Şanlıurfa provinces in addition to Ordu. For the period of 2018-2020, Phase III is initiated to ensure broader policy advocacy and awareness raising with the aim of supporting the efficient implementation of developed policies. 4th phase of the project (2021-2023) expanded the strategic intervention model to new cities namely Giresun and Samsun, which have 32% of hazelnut plantings area in Türkiye and 29 % production rate according to Turkish Statistical Institute’s data and will maintain multi-sectoral approach and involve key stakeholders for the implementation.

Project Output

The project is based on three outputs;
  1. Enhance national and local capacity to remove children from the WFCL in seasonal hazelnut harvesting in Türkiye;
  2. Prevent at risk children from engaging in in seasonal hazelnut harvesting and remove those who are engaged.
  3. Enhance awareness among national and local stakeholders, organisations and individuals involved in hazelnut harvesting as well as the public and media about children’s rights and the importance of eliminating child labour in agriculture.

Project Achievements

The results obtained in the project are as follows until the end of the 2022 hazelnut harvest season:
  • A total of 11,811 children were reached in Ordu, Düzce, Sakarya, Giresun and Samsun; and 9,610 of them were withdrawn and/or prevented from work through education services, while others benefited from different counselling and socio-cultural services.
  • A total of 7,919 family members were reached in the target provinces and 4,203 family members benefited from counselling services on fight against child labour, occupational health and safety, hygiene and awareness-raising.
  • A total of 563 agricultural intermediaries were reached and were provided with counselling and training services.
  • A total of 1,872 hazelnut orchard owners were reached and were provided with counselling and training services.

Project Provinces

Ordu, Giresun, Samsun, Sakarya, Düzce, Şanlıurfa

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