Socio-Economic Determinants of Children’s Vulnerability to Trafficking in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, South-East, Nigeria.

Abstract

 Child trafficking, the cankerworm that is eating deep into the Nigerian society has become an issue of concern at both global and national levels. Child trafficking is a crime that exploits children for numerous purposes including labour and sex trafficking. This study was conducted to examine socio-economic determinants of children’s vulnerability to trafficking in Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, South-East, Nigeria. Rational choice theory was adopted as theoretical framework for the study. Mixed methods research design was employed in the study. The multistage sampling procedure was used in selecting respondents in the study. A sample size of 384 was generated using Cochran’s formular for determining sample size. Structured questionnaire and in-depth interview were quantitative and qualitative instruments used for data collection. Quantitative data generated from the study were processed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Windows, Version 17. Also, data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency tables, simple percentages, and graphic illustrations. The data collected from in-depth interviews were analyzed using content analysis. Findings of the study indicated that child trafficking is a widespread phenomenon and a serious crime which violates the rights of the child. Results of the study also showed that greed and poverty are major factors responsible for children’s vulnerability to trafficking. It was recommended among others that government should intensify awareness campaign on child trafficking. The study further recommended that government should implement genuine poverty alleviation programmes in the society.