Rapid assessment on child labour in agriculture in Kosovo

The aim of this study was to assess the presence and characteristics of child labour in the agricultural sector in Kosovo and understand the factors contributing to its existence. The study also sought to identify children’s working conditions and their impact on children’s health and safety.

Furthermore, the research aimed to explore the barriers to education and opportunities for children engaged in agricultural work and propose preventive and protective measures through policy and legislation. The research used a combination of primary and secondary data. The primary data involved qualitative and quantitative components. For the qualitative component, 12 focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted in three regions of Kosovo, as well as 11 key informant interviews (KII) with key stakeholders. A quantitative survey was administered to 1,000 rural households, employing a multi-stage stratified sampling methodology. The secondary data consisted of a literature review focusing on current policies and laws regulating child labour in agriculture in Kosovo.

The findings indicate that child labour is present in the agricultural sector, with approximately 40 per cent of households engaging adolescents between the ages of 13 and 17 in agricultural work. Child labour involving children aged 5 to 12 years old is present in 10 per cent of households. Adolescent boys are more likely to work longer hours than girls, and older children are more involved in hazardous tasks.

The prevalence of child labour varies across different regions, with Ferizaj having the highest engagement of adolescents in agricultural work (88 per cent). Gjilan, Ferizaj and Prishtinë are the top three regions with the highest percentage of households engaging children aged 5 to 12 years old in agricultural work.

Common patterns of work performed by children in the agricultural sector include cultivating plant crops (94 per cent), raising and caring for livestock (47 per cent), and handling or applying pesticides (16 per cent). The primary causes of child labour in the agricultural sector are related to family dynamics and the willingness of children to contribute. Families in economic deprivation are
more likely to engage their children in potentially dangerous agricultural tasks.

Gender disparities exist, with boys being more likely to work longer hours than girls. Older children are also more likely to be engaged in hazardous tasks than younger children. The working conditions and environment impact the health and safety of children engaged in agricultural work, with a significant number of children exposed to potentially hazardous tasks without proper safety training and equipment.

Barriers to education and other opportunities for children engaged in agricultural work include working on family farms, lack of interest in attending school, and health issues. Protecting the rights of children engaged in agricultural work requires collaboration between government institutions, civil society organizations and the private sector. Policies and legislation need to be implemented to address child labour effectively and ensure access to education.