The Challenges of Child Labour Research: Data Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

This Rapid Review is an attempt to instigate a broader discussion on child labour by considering the various dimensions and angles associated with the phenomenon beyond the straitjacket definitions provided in most reports. Its objectives are threefold. First, it aims to determine whether re-analysis of existing data sets is likely to yield new insights into the forms, prevalence and drivers of children’s work in agriculture in Ghana. Second, it aims to provide specific guidance on how these re-analyses might be undertaken and framed. And third, it aims to determine whether any of the available data sets might be used to map the number or density of children to the main agro-ecological zones or agricultural systems. In doing this, the review describes the nature of child work in the agricultural sector, highlighting areas that have often been ignored in the literature. The conclusion offers suggestions for future research on child labour based on our renewed understanding of the broad concept of child work.