The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the government of Brazil have secured $558,170 (equivalent to Sh1.38 billion) in funding for a project to promote decent work in the value chain of cotton production in Tanzania.

The project which will also protect the children against the tumour of child labour, will be implemented over a period of the next 24 months.

Speaking during the launch of the project Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disability), Prof Joyce Ndalichako, said the project is focused on cotton because the production environment of this crop has, to a large extent, led to violations of children’s rights, including child labour.

This is influenced by the fact that cotton is the second largest commercial crop in the country, contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings.

“According to the Economic Status Report for the year 2021/2022, child labour in the country has reached 24.9 per cent with the agriculture sector being the leading contributor,” Prof Ndalichako said.

“I am hopeful that the implementation of this project, among other things, will strengthen compliance with employment standards, safety, health, and social protection in the cotton farming community,” she added.

Prof Ndalichako highlighted that the pilot site for the project implementation will be the Meatu district in Simiyu Region, which is the leading cotton-producing region in the country.

"This district has been selected as a model district due to the prevalence of child labour practices. I urge you to oversee this project diligently to ensure that the success achieved in Meatu District spreads to other major cotton-producing areas,” Prof Ndalichako said.

ILO employment specialist Jealous Chirove said objectives of this project include strengthening social protection for workers in the cotton sector and enhancing institutional capacity to combat child labour.

“We also aim to raise awareness about child labour in cotton-growing regions and strengthen labour inspection systems with a focus on eradicating child labour,” he said.

Mr Chirove stated that these efforts are expected to improve children’s lives by providing them with better education opportunities and safeguarding their rights.

He said, “Through this project, we aspire to raise a generation where children are not burdened by the hardships of labour but are directed towards acquiring education, enabling them to realize their potential and become architects of their own future.