Determinants of child intra-migration and exposure to abusive labor tasks: A phenomenological study

Determinants of child intra-migration and exposure to abusive labor tasks: A phenomenological study | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Determinants of child intra-migration and exposure to abusive labor tasks: A phenomenological study Kassahun Dejene Zeleke, Habtamu Wondimu Bekele This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-5303460/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract The specific objectives of the study were to identify the reasons (push and pull factors) behind child migration, to investigate the sectors where children are likely to work and to evaluate the effects of engaging in abusive labor on their overall well-being, including education, health, and social interaction with their peers. The study was conducted using qualitative research methodology and a phenomenological study design. Purposive sampling techniques were employed to select the informants. For data collection, the researchers employed vital informant interviews, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions as data collection tools to gather information to attain research objectives. Data from the informant was analyzed using thematic qualitative analytical research methods. The result shows that there are many factors influencing rural-to-urban child migration. One of the reasons for the finding was poverty; the others were the disintegration of families or loss of parents, poor social service, poor childcare culture, family's low value for education, domestic violence, seasonal factors, and displacement due to war. Furthermore, children are engaged in trim work, such as domestic servants in the private sector and selling items on the streets. Finally, for children who engage in labor, their social well-being (education, health, and social interaction with their peer group) is affected, and their labor has negative consequences for their social well-being. The Research recommends government and N.G.O. intervention, family planning for large families, poverty alleviation, and economic support for poor households and children. Finally, children should be engaged in school at an early age. Migration child labor abusive tasks social well-being and rural-urban child migration Figures Figure 1 1. Introduction Rural-to-urban child migration and child labor abuse are two interconnected issues since migration is the main factor for child labor abuse (Kefelegn, 2020 ). According to researchers’ preliminary information, many children migrate to urban areas from rural areas for many reasons. On the other hand, they will be exposed to abusive child labor (researchers). Most Children who migrate to urban areas from rural areas are highly vulnerable. A traditional definition of a migrant is when somebody leaves their birthplace and has moved to a new residence area over the last five years (Edmonds, 2009 ). Numerous U.N. publications highlight the high number of child migrants. According to the Research of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) 2016, from 2015 to 2020, there were an estimated 50 million child migrants or internal migrants in the world. According to the 2020 Report of the U.N. on Migration, there were over 258 million migrants worldwide, 14% under 20 years old (UNICEF, 2015). Different parts of the world are experiencing rapid urbanization, especially in developing countries. Hence, urbanization occurs in emerging nations but is not on par with industrialization (Harris, 2021). This implies that population pressure is a significant consequence of the situation in rural areas (Kasahun, 2000 ). Concerning this, Todaro (1976) argued that the continuous influx of people from rural regions into urban areas is a significant source of growth in the urban population in Less Developed Countries (LDCs), along with natural increases in urban areas. Concerns related to urban-urban migration stem from the importance and concern for rural-to-rural migration, considering factors such as the rate, concentration, and composition of those who migrate from rural areas to urban areas (Beylee, 2006). In this regard, the average annual increase in the rate of rural-urban migration from 1999 up to the year 2012 was found to be more than double (5.68%) compared to its counterpart, rural-urban migration, as revealed elsewhere. During the same period, there was an approximate seven percent incremental impact on outmigrations within the South Nations Nationalities People Regional State, which was more significant than national averages (Aschalew, 2021). Factors such as better job opportunities, poverty, the desire to join relatives, education, urban services, and starting businesses (Hashim et al., 2011) all contribute to child migration. Child labor remains a significant issue in the modern world. This phenomenon is often observed in the transition from rural to urban areas, where individuals believe they can secure better job opportunities (Akrem, 2015). According to the 2014 national survey report on child labor in Ethiopia, many children in this sector are currently working more productively and efficiently than they can handle, both in rural and urban areas overall (C.S.A., 2014). In international law, notably the agreements on Child Rights and the I.L.O. Conventions, “children” means anyone under 18 (I.L.O., 2018). In addition to being harmful to children’s entire social and cognitive development, the dignity and self-esteem of children are undermined by low salaries, heavy responsibilities, and lack of access to education, among other factors. According to the I.L.O. worldwide estimates report from 2017, 152 million youngsters were working in dangerous conditions, or about 73 million of them are children who are rural to urban migrant children. Risks exist in all occupations but are heightened for youngsters whose bodies and minds are still growing. The researchers conducted some preliminary research on child migration in the study areas before assessing the problems and discovered that many children engaged in harsh and exploitative conditions. Additionally, most children come from adjacent small towns and rural areas rather than Wolkite Town. According to Labor Proclamation 1156/2019's articles 4.1, 89.1, 89.2, and 89.3, the minimum age to start working is 18. Those under the age of 18 are considered children in this Research. The extent and nature of child migration and child labor abuse are some of the most severe social problems in urban areas of the developing world (Abebe, 2019). The existence of the issue of child migration and child labor abuse varies from country to country, depending on its size and nature. It depends on their economic development level, traditional and cultural settings, institutional intervention, and the level of harmony (Abebe, 2019). Considering this, the researchers believe that it may be crucial to examine the relationship between these two variables to comprehend how the migration of children to urban areas from rural areas of Ethiopia is exposing them to abusive environments. To do this, the researchers will employ qualitative and phenomenological approaches, enabling researchers to understand the children's lived experiences better. Aims of the Research This study used a qualitative research method to achieve three primary objectives. The first identifies the push and pull factors of child migration in Wolkite town. The second explores the possible areas of the workforce in which children are engaged. Finally, the study intends to assess the impact of engaging in abusive labor on children's social well-being, access to primary and secondary education, and overall well-being. 2. Methods 1.1. Description of the Study Area Welkite (sometimes spelled Wolkite) is a town and distinct woreda in the new central region of Ethiopia. Wolkite town is the political center of the GURAGE community of the Central Ethiopia region or former Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples' Region (SNNPR). The town's latitude and longitude are 94 8°17′N 37°47′E, and its elevation ranges between 1910 and 1935 meters above sea level. Cheha Woreda and Kabena's special woreda in Central Ethiopia's regional state surround it. Welkite is in northern Central Ethiopia, where many ethnic groups live together 2.1. Research design and approach The study aimed to analyze factors driving migration and the risks of abusive labor on children in the labor market; the researchers employed a qualitative approach and phenomenological research design. The qualitative approach is a type of research approach that defines the collected data by statement (Amir, 2004). The reason to use the qualitative approach was to achieve the objective of this Research via advantage features for instant qualitative research approach enables researchers to deal with large-scale investigations, qualitative Research provides more genuine feeling because it deals with real experiences of humans and observations, qualitative Research allows the researchers to give a more generalized data and focus group discussion, interview and observation which are non-numerical analysis are more appropriate to collect data from informant (Creswell, 2019). Qualitative Research appears to be most conclusive when comprehensive, meaning that all the data collected from the participants portray their worlds as accurate to real life. This study employed a phenomenological research design. Since it is appropriate to investigate and discover answers to these research objectives, it was able to have a deep investigation into the livelihood challenges and to know the impacts of Child Labour Abuse through their life experience. The primary goals of this study were to investigate the pull and push factors of rural-to-urban child migration, the possible areas of the working force to be engaged, and the impacts of engaging in abusive labor on their social well-being (Simmon et al., 2016). 2.2. Sampling Design and Participant Selection Before the data collection started, Wolkite University College of Social Sciences Institutional Review Board (IRB) CSHSS/105/2023 cleared, approved, and thoroughly reviewed this study. The College of Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee granted written permission for this study. Some of the individuals we surveyed were illiterate. The researchers read the consent letter to them to assist and coordinate with the participants, ensuring that data collection proceeded smoothly. This helped raise awareness about the research objectives. After confirming that study participants were willing to participate, the researchers, in collaboration with data collectors, began by reading out a formal letter requesting permission before obtaining written informed consent before commencing actual data collection. The researchers utilized non-probability sampling, selecting respondents using a purposive method. Purposive sampling is suitable when no sampling frame is available, and the probabilistic model that guides the random selection of all study elements introduces scientific uncertainty. Key informants, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions were all conducted as part of this purposive sampling, deemed appropriate for a population facing additional barriers. The participants in this Research were selected through purposive sampling based on their experience, knowledge, and lived experience related to the phenomenon under investigation. The age range of the participants in this study was from 5 to 17 years old. The selection of children for sampling adhered to the International Labour Organization (ILO) guidelines from 2019. In this context, the International Labour Organization (ILO) defines children as those who work, excluding those under five and adults over 17. According to Neuman (1996), purposive sampling is more appropriate when the study aims to understand a specific case in detail because those selected have a better experience with the issue. The objective of this study is not only to generalize about a general population but to get an exhaustive and comprehensive understanding of a specific population. Using purposive sampling usually depends on the researcher's decision to select samples with a specific judgment. Therefore, the researchers have included those participants who are believed to have a better understanding of the issue to provide the researchers with rich qualitative information to achieve the study's objectives. 2.3. Source of data The collected data were analyzed using content analysis to achieve the study's objectives. The researchers have also assessed documents from different sources and institutions from both governmental and non-governmental organizations. According to Neuman (1996), to do a content analysis study, it is a must to gather and analyze the content of the text. Any written, visual, or spoken document we use to communicate with others is considered text. These sources include Books, magazines, newspaper articles, speeches, advertisements, official documents, films or videotapes, musical lyrics, photographs, and websites, which were used as secondary sources. On the other hand, this study incorporated primary sources such as in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. To triangulate the data, researchers utilized both these sets of sources. As mentioned earlier, primary data sources were utilized, specifically in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Although no data was obtained from participants through coercion or manipulation, the names mentioned in various parts of the analysis were anonymized to protect the true identities of the individuals. Our ethical responsibility as researchers was to ensure the confidentiality and protection of the information provided by the informants. The researcher gathered detailed information about the subjective experiences of children from a purposefully selected group of 15 5-17-year-old children who migrated from rural to urban and five parents. The criteria to select those informants was the children's age, as the World Health Organization defines children as "under 18" and from the ILO definition of child labor (children who engaged in economic activity aged 5–17), children engaged in abusive work, and children who migrated from rural to urban. The researchers conducted in-depth interviews with children who have worked or migrated from rural to urban areas for at least one year in Wolkite Town as inclusion criteria. In addition to in-depth interviews, focus group discussion (FGD) was used to collect richer data. In FDG, the participant’s multidimensional discussion within the group was collected. Individuals familiar with this issue made the discussion more valid and reliable (Twycross, 2014). The selection of discussant for FGD was made through purposive sampling, and one focus group discussion was conducted with six participants. The key informants involved in this interview were two community elders and four personnel working on women's and children's affairs. Six informants were taken to the critical informant interview. Table 1 Social and demographic profile of participants from Wolkite town in an in-depth interview (September 2023 –November 2023). Code of informants Sex Age Previous Educational level No of family members Parents Occupation Length of period in labour Date of interview WT-1 F 17 Grade 10 8 Farm Work 3 11 Nov. 2023 WT-2 F 12 Basic Education 7 Farm Work 4 11 Nov. 2023 WT-3 F 11 Basic Education 6 Farm Work 2 11 Nov. 2023 WT-4 F 11 Illiterate 6 Farm Work 2 11 Nov. 2023 WT-5 F 14 Basic Education 4 Unemployed 2 12 Nov. 2023 WT-6 F 17 Basic Education 4 Farm Work 2 12 Nov. 2023 WT-7 F 17 Grade 8 4 Farm Work 2 12 Nov. 2023 WT-8. F 14 Grade 4 2 Farm Work 2 12 Nov. 2023 WT-9 F 11 Grade 3 2 Farm Work 2 12 Nov. 2023 WT-10 F 16 Grade-7 4 Farm Work 2 15 Nov.2023 WT-11 F 12 Grade- 6 4 Farm Work 2 15 Nov.2023 WT-12 F 7 Grade-9 5 Farm Work 1 15 Nov.2023 WT-13 F 7 Basic Education 5 Farm Work 1 15 Nov.2023 WT-14 F 12 Basic Education 6 Farm Work 1 15 Nov.2023 WT-15 F 7 Illiterate 6 Farm Work 1 15 Nov.2023 Source: Personal communication, 2023/24. NB: WT = Wolkite Town Table 2 Profile of Key informant interviewees from women's and children’s affairs office Experts and Community Elders (Sep. 2023 Nov. 2023). Code of informants Sex Age Marital Status Educational level Occupation Date of interview KI-1 M 68 Married Basic Education W.T. community elder 28 November 2023 KI-2 M 65 Married Basic Education W.T. community elder 27 November 2023 KI-3 M 26 Never Married B.S.C. Degree WT Women's and Children’s Affairs Office children’s affairs officer 27 November 2023 KI-4 M 39 Married B.S.C. Degree WT women's and children’s affairs office manager 25 November 2023 KI-5 F 28 Married B.S.C. Degree WT women's and children’s affairs office children’s affairs expert 23 November 2023 KI-6 F 31 Married B.S.C. Degree WT women's and children’s affairs office children’s affairs expert 23 November 2023 Source: Personal communication, 2023/24. 2.4. Data collection instrument In-depth interviews served as our primary instrument for the primary data collection. The study aimed to gather rich information from a purposively selected group of 15 respondents, children aged 5 to 17, who were involved in rural-urban migration among urban slum residents and their parents. The in-depth interviewees comprised fifteen children who had worked or migrated from rural to urban areas for at least one year, per the study's inclusion-exclusion criteria (refer to Table 1 ). These interviews were conducted individually, each lasting approximately 30–35 minutes. The researchers have prepared and used an interview schedule to guide the interview sessions. After in-depth interviews, researchers used vital informants to collect the necessary data. In this study, individuals with more excellent knowledge and understanding of the problem were used as key informants. Thus, key informant interviews were held with the Women’s and Children's Affairs Office of Wolkite town and community leaders. Key informant interviews were conducted with four Wolkite town Women's and Children's Affairs Office officers, including the manager and two community leaders. The focus of this interview was the impact of engaging in abusive labor on their social well-being/ the access to primary and secondary education (see Table 2 ). The third data collection tool used in this study was focus group discussion. To triangulate, make more muscular, and validate the data collected through in-depth interviews and key informant interviews, focus group discussion was conducted with individuals who are considered as a fit to provide more information during focus group discussion sessions. In FDG, the participant’s multidimensional discussion within the group was collected. Individuals familiar with this issue made the discussion more valid and reliable (Twycross, 2014). The selection of discussants for FGD was made through purposive sampling, and one focus group discussion was conducted with six participants. The children who have not lived for one year, the non-workers, and those who have mental disorders that medical checkups have identified were excluded. This technique was used to extract information in a participatory manner so that the perception and view of the children can be captured and interpreted. The researchers prepared a guide that contains questions to be raised and used during the F.G.D. session. According to Neumann (1997), FGD allows the group discussant to be interviewed informally during focus group discussions. Data analysis Techniques in thematic data analysis were utilized to analyze the input gathered from various sources. Researchers have identified themes from the collected data based on the study's specific objectives. In the work of Ibrahim (2012, p. 97), "Thematic analysis is essentially a type of qualitative data analysis method used to categorize, analyze, and present themes derived from collected responses." Data was recorded during the data collection process, detailed notes were taken, and it was easy to draw meaningful information from the raw data. At the end of each fieldwork session, researchers were to discuss the findings, describe respondents in terms of critical variables, order the data, reduce them, classify or code them, display and summarize them, and finally, interpret and draw conclusions about the data. This can provide researchers with detailed information about the issues, leading to a better interpretation. The researchers were able to associate the frequency of a theme with the overall content, enhancing the accuracy and complexity of the research findings. According to Matjasko (2022), researchers can get an opportunity to gain a broader understanding of any given issue when thematic analysis is used. Thematic analysis is a tool for quantifying the number of words or phrases and recognizing and characterizing implicit and explicit ideals. Regardless, only raw data is used for coding. Codes represent ideas or themes a researcher formulates and then applies to the data as summary markers for subsequent work. This analysis may involve comparing the relative frequencies of themes or topics within a dataset, exploring code co-occurrence, or visually illustrating relationships between codes. The approach to thematic analysis outlined by Maguire and Delahunt was adopted. The researchers have organized the study's findings as follows: Familiarizing us with the raw data was the first step. Then, the researchers generated initial codes for the findings and identified the most relevant themes. Afterward, researchers reviewed and defined themes. After all these steps, the report write-up segment commenced. 3. Results and Discussion The primary purpose of this part is to provide information about data presentation, analysis, and interpretation. These data are obtained through different qualitative data collection methods, like crucial informant interviews (6), in-depth interviews (15), and focus group discussions (1). Based on the study's objectives, the researchers have tried to align the themes and sub-themes with the study's objectives. To protect the identity of the participants, the researchers used false names, and the names assigned by the researchers were not related to the participants' true identities. 3.1. The push and pull factor of rural-to-urban child migration Children at the beginning of their early years are expected to be in school and engage in other constructive activities like playing with their peer groups. However, in developing countries like Ethiopia, they are forced to take up responsibilities early, either because of pressure from their parents, relatives, or other individuals or their respective living situations (Admassie, 2018). As a result, many children voluntarily or involuntarily migrated from rural to urban areas and entered the labor market to meet their personal needs or family subsistence. At the time of data collection, rural-to-urban migrants who engaged in labor were given open-ended questions about why they left their place of origin. In response to this question, rural-to-urban migrants who engaged in labor identified some push and pull factors that they assumed were responsible for rural-to-urban migration in the study areas. There are many things, natural or manufactured, in the rural parts of Ethiopia that push children to urban areas. As a result, the findings state that the respondents moved from rural to urban areas because of their own and family's poverty. Their inability to live comfortably and the size of their family make it difficult for them to get an education. Thus, they favor moving outside to earn money and support their family, which includes themselves and their siblings. Children occasionally relocate from rural to urban areas to ease the financial strain on their families. As we can deduce from the informant's response, children are compelled by poverty to take on significant home duties. 3.1.1. Disintegration of family/loss of parents The breakdown of families or the death of parents is the other driving force. Children who were asked about the reason for their move cited the death of a family member and the breakdown of their family as the factor. From in-depth interview, informant #I2, shared his perspective by saying: "Dad's passing significantly changed our way of life because he was the only member of our family to work in agriculture and provide for our necessities. After that, my mother took me to my uncle's. I lived with and received care from him but was employed as a housemaid. That is when I decided to return to my mother and leave the house. Living with my mother without my father was difficult, so I moved here a few months later. (In-depth interview, 2023) In-depth interviews with two boys aged 14 and 10 reveal that their family's separation greatly impacted their migration. "Our mother brought us to Wolkite after our father and mother divorced because our family was pressuring her to make amends with him." (from #I3 and I4, In-depth interview, 2023). The other respondent asserted that they relocated to Welkite Town because of financial difficulties brought on by their family's dissolution. In-depth interviews with the other two participants revealed that they cited family separation as a reason for their migration. "I am #I5, and I am fourteen years old. My mother and I share a home. Our origin is in Qulit. We became impoverished after my mother and father got divorced. When we got to Wolkite, I started working and found studying impossible, so I dropped out. I now make between 150 and 200 ETB a day." (In-depth interview, 2023) The seventeen-year-old child stated in an in-depth interview, "If you lose your family, you will be scattered, and you will drop out of school. Lack of foster parents makes the pressure of going from place to place even greater." If my mother had still been here, I would not have come. (#I7, In-depth interview, 2023) 3.1.2. Poor social service Social services include a range of public services that support and assist a particular society. They may be provided by individuals, private and independent organizations, or administered by a government agency (Nicoli, 2015). This study found that children's migration is influenced by a lack of schools and unsuitable roads to school. The 17-year-old boy #I6 said, "I pass many complicated ways to reach my school when I learn 1–10." "However, there was no preparatory school after I finished the tenth grade, so I made the decision to come here and live with my father's relatives, and I started working to finance my education." (In-depth interview, 2023) The above respondent, informant #I8, says. "The school was so far from my home; I was so tired to go through that all-long way to learn, so I missed class without knowledge of my parents, and then I dropped out and came here to work." (In-depth interview 2023) Children who lack access to education seem to attend school less frequently, which could increase the risk of child labor and intermigration. The primary cause is a lack of accessibility to better public services, particularly education. 3.1.3. Poor childcare culture According to data from KIs, #K1, community elders, inadequate childcare is the leading cause of children moving from rural to urban areas. "The kids will choose migration over staying put to meet their needs when a family disregards the wants and needs of the kids, fails to protect the kids, and refuses to pay the kids' school fees." (Key informant interview 2023) The outcome is that Children participate in the rural-to-urban migration and work to pay for shoes, clothes, stationery, etc., in addition to their need for food. However, because of their extreme poverty, parents pay little attention to these needs and primarily worry about their children's nutritional needs. This gradually encourages kids to go from the countryside to cities and participate in productive occupations without realizing how it affects their development. 3.1.4. Children's families' low value for education Respondents mentioned that their parents did not believe educating their children was best for them. Children complained that they had to work instead of going to school. Participants in in-depth interviews claim that his family's lack of willingness to provide for his needs for school supplies and other necessities is what drives him out of town. Respondent #I9 says, about the factor that made him migrate, that. I came to Welkite because my parents were uneasy and reluctant to spend money on school materials. I often fought about whether to buy an exercise book or a pen. A friend of mine suggested that I work with him here so that I could start earning money. I told my family and friends that I agreed. My parents did not oppose me even though they knew I wanted to work in Wolkite. At the time, I had personally located the job. I wanted to make some money since I needed to ask my father to repurchase things for home because he could not afford all I wanted for school. (In-depth interview, 2023) In addition, they note that information from key informants, community elder #K2, indicates that rural society's priority for education significantly influences children's migratory decisions. "The value of education has the biggest impact on children's migration because, if they cannot attend school because of the expectations placed on them by their families and society, they begin to look for better ways to make a living and ultimately choose to migrate." (Key informant interview 2023) 3.1.5. Domestic violence Also, domestic violence is the main trigger factor for rural-to-urban child migration. Children who migrate from rural areas face different forms of domestic and physical violence, such as beating at their home of origin. Therefore, when children face domestic or physical violence, they prefer to migrate to be economically independent or to make sure about their freedom, and this result is in line with the study conducted by Menjivar (2013). The 16-year-old respondent from the in-depth interview says that. "I was a regular student, though I occasionally got in trouble for missing deadlines for my assignments. However, math was a challenging subject. My academic achievement received harsh criticism from my father. He gave me a hard time and told me to improve my grade, but I lost all interest in learning and failed my most hated subject in the eighth grade. My parents begged me not to take the exam, but I refused because I thought it would be awkward to sit with underprepared children while my friends and peers would be studying more. After my father severely beat me, I decided to move into the house and take charge of my own life. I wanted to run from this. (From informant #I10, 2023) When children experience abuse, violence, or neglect at home or school, they may decide to leave their families. Therefore, there is a chance that children may migrate from rural to urban areas. Children were financially dependent on their families. Since money allows kids to buy items for themselves, get help, and eventually sustain themselves, it can help kids become more independent. 3.1.6. Seasonal factors The data from critical informants #KI3, women’s and children's affairs, says that most families that engage in child labor largely depend on agriculture as a significant source of income. “As everyone knows, many people living in rural areas rely on agriculture for their income. In addition, many rural families use their children as laborers and farmhands, meaning that after the farming season ends, the children will have nothing to do. Moreover, children have a strong possibility of obtaining employment if they are not enrolled in school. (Key informant interview 2023) Thus, one might labor in agriculture in agricultural areas during harvest seasons. However, whenever harvest season ended, the kids would explore other ways to make ends meet, ultimately traveling to a small nearby town to hunt for jobs. This sessional child labor is crucial for children not attending regular school. Furthermore, a seventeen-year-old male participant stated that he typically migrates in the off-farming season. 3.1.7. Displacement due to war Conflict is a factor in children moving from rural to urban areas, according to critical information interviews with women and children's issues and in-depth interviews with children. A 12-year-old child, #I11, said. "I did well in school, but because of political unrest in my neighborhood, I relocated to Wolkite and stopped attending. My father brought me here (to the city) when there was a conflict in the neighborhood. He sent me so I could go to school. My distant relative took me in and offered to send me to school, but when they could not enroll me, I quit going and started working to support myself. (In-depth interview, 2023) Intermigration may result from forced displacement brought on by war or other conflict, according to data from key informants. The conversation with essential witnesses from the gender and child office scandal, #K3, says. "Many kids move to Wolkite with their families, and some of the kids start working to help their parents and get through the financial hardship brought on by losing their job and place to live." (Key Informants interview, 2023) Therefore, as the study demonstrates, migration may result from conflicts and insecurity. Along with Morrissey's (2011) research finding, instability pushes a person to decide on migration. So, when exposed to violence and turmoil, youngsters will decide whether to move to surrounding towns with their families or on their own. Therefore, the security issue would result in population displacement. 3.2. The possible areas of the working force to be engaged According to the findings of the study, migrant children would, in one way or another, participate in labor because, after they migrated, they were at risk of becoming child laborers. There are many areas of engagement to work in, but based on the respondent’s responses, the labor frequently mentioned is the following. 3.2.1. Domestic worker A child who is under 18 and performs domestic activities in his or her employer’s household with or without remuneration is considered a child domestic servant. They often live in their employer’s house and work within its premises. A 12-year-old child, #I14, says "In a family of six kids, I am the oldest. My father abruptly lost some money that our wealthy neighborhood owed him. He quickly became unable to support us, which resulted in huge economic losses for the home. My mother could not take care of the family by herself. My mother sent me to Wolkite when I was ten years old, along with a woman. I am aware that I am performing domestic work and supporting my mother since this woman's business involved removing women and children from the village and placing them in Wolkite households as domestic help.” (In-depth interview, 2023) 14 years old child, #I8, from in-depth interview say. I have done household chores such as washing dishes and cleaning the house. (In-depth interview, 2023) 3.2.2. Working on the Street Many young people support themselves by laboring on the streets. In-depth interviews and information from key informants indicate that kids would likely engage in street jobs like selling goods and carrying large objects. From in-depth interviews, two participants say. My name is #I5. I come from Dauro, but now I live in Wolkite. I work as a distro (shoeshine) and earn 150–200 birr per hour. I spend 11 hours at work daily. “My name is #I7. I come from Wolita Sodo. I live in Gubre. I am 17 years old. I sell lottery. I work 1–12 hours a day and earn 70–100 birr.” (In-depth interview, 2023) Children who work on the streets often do petty jobs available on the streets. Children stated that they were street laborers, working to sell small products on the streets, carrying household goods or items near or around marketplaces and to and from grinding mills, and carrying passenger bags and other goods around bus stations. Coffee vending, shoe shining, daily labor, and lottery selling are possible areas for children on the street after migration. 3.2.3. Employment in the private sector Many respondents worked in private organizations like cafes, bars, and restaurants. Serving as a waiter to provide coffee, tea, or meals in restaurants and bars are some of the works that respondents working in private organizations mentioned. From FGD child participant #F3 was engaged in the private sector and said, “As a waitress, I clean the cafe and do the dishwashing.” (FGD, 2023) Therefore, as in the findings of the study conducted by Holden (2014), most rural-urban migrants are engaged in service sectors in the study area. 3.2.4. Abusive labor tasks impact on children In this theme, informants and discussants from various communities clarified the effects of child work on children's social well-being (on their education, health, and social connection with their peer group). Child work significantly impacts children's education, social interactions with their peers, health, and social well-being. 3.2.5. Education Two-thirds of them worked more than ten hours a day. Moreover, according to the FGD results, owners are forced to work on weekends and holidays. Some domestic workers did all household and private sector work without discrimination. FGD discussant #IF4, F1, and F2 mentioned that. “When I finish one type of work, they give me another one to work, and then I work until all is complete" (FGD, 2023) “I am sixteen years old, and I have dropped out of seventh grade, and I am working. The length of my working hours is from two o'clock in the morning to three o'clock in the evening.” (FGD, 2023) “I am fourteen years old, and I was in seventh grade, and now I have dropped out and am working.” (FGD, 2023) Like the research finding, labor significantly impacts children’s schooling, Kusumawardhani ( 2022 ). Therefore, this study also identified that child labor hurts children’s education. Because of the lack of draw and interest after a long workday, it is perceived that educational opportunities and attainment are reduced due to child labor migration. Nevertheless, migration can have a positive impact on education as well. Even though most respondents attended primary school, most were not at school during their studies. According to the results of the FGD, not being able to afford to pay for tuition, absence of time (working for long periods), being too tired to go to school in the evening, and a few of them mentioned lack of permission from employers are the main reasons mentioned for not attending schools. 3.2.6. Social interaction with their peers Children’s Social interaction with their peer group is necessary while they are in the developing stage. Because every child should pass through minimal interaction to their full development, as a concern of this Research, the researchers investigated laborer children's social interaction with their peer group to identify how their work affects their development. Children's Social interaction in the study area was less because of their crowded full-time work. From FGD, most children work daily, from morning to night. #F4, the 15-year-old child says that. “I spent my time on work all day.” (FGD, 2023) Many would go weeks without seeing their fellow traders due to work commitments. As Hall (2017) asserts, for a child to have healthy and normal development, they require not only the reassurances of protection, food, and essential health care for survival but also the need for affection, interaction with others, and age-appropriate stimulation for learning through exploration and discovery. Consequently, the results of this study—highlighting the absence of affection, working full-time, and prolonged separation from family—do not positively influence children's social development. 3.2.7. Health Problems Most reported previously encountering one or more health problems (from in-depth interviews). Respiratory tract diseases and skin diseases were the major health problems mentioned. Respondents experienced symptoms such as headaches and fever, leading to sweating and shivering due to malaria at some point. Similarly, respiratory tract infections are common and manifest with symptoms such as chest pain, cough, fever, and purulent sputum. Apparent reasons for not washing appeared to include a lack of time or no possibility (for street laborers, who might wear masks continuously, even on public transport). According to the findings (Joshi, 2013), most children wash once every two weeks, and children wash once within a month. The findings on health and hygiene, clothing, shoe-wearing, and personal hygiene behaviors showed that street laborers were wearing dirty, old rags, some of which had tears and holes, with the majority not wearing shoes, exposing their skin to various diseases. The primary reason for poor personal hygiene is likely a lack of time and knowledge regarding its importance. Participant from an in-depth interview, #I8, says that. A 14-year-old child says I work listro (Shoeshine) to help my mom, and sometimes I encounter problems." (In-depth interview, 2023) A 16-year-old child from the in-depth interview, #I1, says. “I was working inside household chores such as washing a lot of people's clothes, cleaning the house, and washing dishes. During this time, I also suffered some injuries because of overworking.” (In-depth interview, 2023) Community elders from a key informant, #K4, interviews say. "Children migrate from rural areas to cities due to problems, such as loss of parent, poverty, and lack of awareness. These children come to the city to do heavy work beyond their capacity like bistro holding heavy things and working in individual houses. The effect of being laborers is enormous on their health because they are usually married to different types of addictions and abused. When a child works, they may lose their body, and they will also be exposed to mental problems. (Key informant interview, 2023) According to Feleke (2015), the well-being of children who migrated and engaged in labor is vulnerable; also, in this investigation, children’s educational status is evident in their vulnerability. 4. Conclusion The main objectives of this study were to identify the push and pull factors of child migration, explore the possible areas of the working force to be engaged, and assess the impact of engaging in abusive labor on their social well-being. The researchers focus on child migrants between the ages of 5 and 17, community elders, and personnel in Wolkite Town to attain research questions. To this end, the researchers have gathered data through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews by employing qualitative methods. Secondary data sources supported and complemented the primary data and identified gaps previously overlooked by researchers. Like other developing countries, Ethiopia has been experiencing the rapid growth of rural-urban migration, and it has become the most crucial component of internal migration. Children leave their homes and homelands for several reasons and in various circumstances. According to the results of this study, rural-urban migration in the study areas was influenced by age. Some groups of children are viewed as more vulnerable to child labor, such as those entering the country as migrants. Research has shown that most laborers are from rural areas. As the study shows, several factors pushed these children to work. Results from qualitative studies, in-depth interviews, KI interviews, and FGD revealed that conditions such as poverty, the disintegration of families or loss of parents, poor social service, poor childcare culture, family’s low value for education, domestic violence, seasonal factors, and displacement due to war are considered to push factors that might have contributed to child rural-urban migration and consequently to being child laborers. Pull factors of rural-to-urban child migration include the anticipation of better job opportunities and family remittances. Children of recurring migrant laborers in rural and urban areas lack adequate protection. Consequently, working children are vulnerable to exploitation, both through their work and by others. Their labor-intensive lives leave them with minimal time for socializing with peers, little room for schoolwork, and no access to healthcare services. Child laborers lack educational empowerment and face severe health risks, jeopardizing their social interactions and exacerbating feelings of child alienation. Without their families' love, affection, care, and protection, these children are less fortunate than those who enjoy these essential rights, which should be inherent to every child. 5. Limitations of the study In this study, high prominence was given to the relationship between rural-urban migration and child labor abuse. We have discussed the impact of child rural-urban migration on children as it causes abuse in children. However, this paper does not consider other related factors for child abuse and abusive work. A deep and holistic analysis is needed to analyze the effect of other factors. In addition, children who had not stayed more than one year in the study area were excluded from this study. Thus, a study that includes children who have not stayed for more than one year seems essential. Researchers recommend that further Research will be needed to assess the unmentioned dimensions of rural-urban migration and abusive child work. 6. What the study adds This study has used recent literary and thematic analysis methods regarding the issue under study. We believe that this is the first study that tries to understand the relationship between rural-urban migration and child abuse and abusive work. Accordingly, the study revealed that rural-urban migration is causing severe child abuse, which is a violation of international children's rights conventions. Besides, this study, unlike the other studies, has shown that Children's families' low value for education tends to increase rural-urban migration that leads children to abusive work. The study revealed that the engagement of children in abusive work is mainly related to the social, economic, and cultural situations of their families. Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate The researchers have received a waiver of ethical approval from the University (where we work) Faculty of Social Science and Humanities' Ethical and Review Board. The board has reviewed the nature of the study, and researchers have performed the procedures as part of routine care under CSHH/3103/2023. Author Contribution Kassahun Dejene Zeleke, and Habtamu Wondimu designed the study. Both performed the data collection tool development and data collection. Kassahun analyzed data. Kassahun Dejene, and Habtamu Wondimu wrote the paper with input from both of us. Data Availability The author will provide the necessary data upon request from the editor or reviewer. References Abebe T, Kjørholt AT. Social actors and victims of exploitation: working children in the cash economy of Ethiopia's South. Childhood. 2009;16(2):175–94. Abeje A. Causes and effects of rural-urban migration in Ethiopia: A case study from Amhara Region. Afr Stud. 2021;80(1):77–94. Admassie A. (2000). The incidence of child labor in Africa with empirical evidence from rural Ethiopia (No. 32). ZEF discussion papers on development policy. Akram M. (2015). An analysis of rural-to-urban labor migration in India with particular reference to scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. Alhojailan MI. (2012). Thematic analysis: a critical review of its process and evaluation. In WEI international European academic conference proceedings, Zagreb, Croatia . Bezu S, Holden S. (2014). Rural-urban youth migration and informal self-employment in Ethiopia. Byerlee D. Rural-urban migration in Africa: Theory, policy and research implications. Int Migrat Rev. 1974;8(4):543–66. Creswell JW, Creswell JD. Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approach. Sage; 2017. Cullen H. (2019). The evolving concept of the worst forms of child labor. The SAGE Handbook of Human Trafficking and Modern-Day Slavery , 139. Edmonds E, Shrestha M. (2009). Children's work and independent child migration: a critical review. Hailemariam A. (2021). Population Dynamics and Rural-Urban Migration in Ethiopia: Challenges and Opportunities. Economic Development, Population Dynamics, and Welfare , 159. Hashim I, Thorsen DD. Child migration in Africa. Bloomsbury Publishing; 2011. Hadgu H, Kebede W. Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children Living and/or Working on the Streets in Ethiopia. Ethiop J Dev Res. 2020;42(1):155–200. International labor organization. (2019). Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labour. Journal of exploitative child work, geneva. Joshi SK, Dahal P, Poudel A, Sherpa H. Work-related injuries and musculoskeletal disorders among child workers in the brick kilns of Nepal. Int J Occup Saf Health. 2013;3(2):2–7. Kasahun A. Migration to Addis Ababa: An Explanation of Reasons for Migration and Employment Status at the Destination. Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa University; 2000. Kefelegn H. (2020). Determinants of youths rural to urban migration in Ethiopia (Case of Addis Ababa). Academic Journal of Research and Scientific Publishing| Vol , 2 (15). Kusumawardhani N. (2022). Migration, money, and education: The impact of migration and remittance on children's schooling in Senegal. Master Thesis in Economics and Public Policy, Science Po Paris. EcolePolytechnique – ENSAE. Matjasko JL, Chovnick G, Bradford J, Treves-Kagan S, Usher K, Vaughn E, Ingoldsby E. Strengthening communities: A qualitative assessment of opportunities for the prevention of adverse childhood experiences in the wake of the opioid crisis. J Child Fam stud. 2022;31(4):1145–57. Morrissey J. Rural-Urban Migration in Ethiopia. Case Study. Climate Change and Displacement. University of Oxford; 2011. Menjívar C. (2013). Domestic violence, abuse, and migration. The Encyclopedia of Global Human Migration . Neuman B. The Neuman systems model in Research and practice. Nurs Sci Q. 1997;9(2):67–70. Todaro MP. (2011). Migration and economic development: a review of theory, evidence, methodology, and Research priorities. Twycross A. Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Nurse Res. 2004;12(1):82–4. Selod H, Shilpi F. Rural-urban migration in developing countries: Lessons from the literature. Reg Sci Urban Econ. 2021;91:103713. Simmonds-Moore CA. An interpretative phenomenological analysis exploring synesthesia as an exceptional experience: Insights for consciousness and cognition. Qualitative Res Psychol. 2016;13(4):303–27. Woldehanna T, Jones N. (2014). Child Labor in Ethiopia: Overview and Policy Challenges. World Child Labor, 259–64. Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-5303460","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":371452259,"identity":"bd895026-3e7d-4fbb-9e7c-7fa50dbe5eca","order_by":0,"name":"Kassahun Dejene Zeleke","email":"data:image/png;base64,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","orcid":"","institution":"Wolkite University","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Kassahun","middleName":"Dejene","lastName":"Zeleke","suffix":""},{"id":371452260,"identity":"dec06045-4a85-473c-89fe-c6e5711094f4","order_by":1,"name":"Habtamu Wondimu Bekele","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Wolkite University","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Habtamu","middleName":"Wondimu","lastName":"Bekele","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2024-10-21 10:23:16","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-5303460/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5303460/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":68168118,"identity":"d225e462-c1d2-4865-83e9-a73a56698f25","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-11-04 10:00:05","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":200092,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eThematic map of the study area (Wolkite town, 2023) Source: GIS, 2023.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5303460/v1/09f4dc05f165c259cc04f1f6.png"},{"id":68169866,"identity":"18c8971b-70e4-400c-9465-b9ede06f1958","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2024-11-04 10:16:07","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":876462,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-5303460/v1/e0577b60-83c4-48ad-8dbb-1d141ace14ff.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Determinants of child intra-migration and exposure to abusive labor tasks: A phenomenological study","fulltext":[{"header":"1. Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eRural-to-urban child migration and child labor abuse are two interconnected issues since migration is the main factor for child labor abuse (Kefelegn, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e). According to researchers\u0026rsquo; preliminary information, many children migrate to urban areas from rural areas for many reasons. On the other hand, they will be exposed to abusive child labor (researchers). Most Children who migrate to urban areas from rural areas are highly vulnerable. A traditional definition of a migrant is when somebody leaves their birthplace and has moved to a new residence area over the last five years (Edmonds, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2009\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eNumerous U.N. publications highlight the high number of child migrants. According to the Research of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) 2016, from 2015 to 2020, there were an estimated 50\u0026nbsp;million child migrants or internal migrants in the world. According to the 2020 Report of the U.N. on Migration, there were over 258\u0026nbsp;million migrants worldwide, 14% under 20 years old (UNICEF, 2015).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eDifferent parts of the world are experiencing rapid urbanization, especially in developing countries. Hence, urbanization occurs in emerging nations but is not on par with industrialization (Harris, 2021). This implies that population pressure is a significant consequence of the situation in rural areas (Kasahun, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2000\u003c/span\u003e). Concerning this, Todaro (1976) argued that the continuous influx of people from rural regions into urban areas is a significant source of growth in the urban population in Less Developed Countries (LDCs), along with natural increases in urban areas. Concerns related to urban-urban migration stem from the importance and concern for rural-to-rural migration, considering factors such as the rate, concentration, and composition of those who migrate from rural areas to urban areas (Beylee, 2006). In this regard, the average annual increase in the rate of rural-urban migration from 1999 up to the year 2012 was found to be more than double (5.68%) compared to its counterpart, rural-urban migration, as revealed elsewhere. During the same period, there was an approximate seven percent incremental impact on outmigrations within the South Nations Nationalities People Regional State, which was more significant than national averages (Aschalew, 2021). Factors such as better job opportunities, poverty, the desire to join relatives, education, urban services, and starting businesses (Hashim et al., 2011) all contribute to child migration.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChild labor remains a significant issue in the modern world. This phenomenon is often observed in the transition from rural to urban areas, where individuals believe they can secure better job opportunities (Akrem, 2015). According to the 2014 national survey report on child labor in Ethiopia, many children in this sector are currently working more productively and efficiently than they can handle, both in rural and urban areas overall (C.S.A., 2014).\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn international law, notably the agreements on Child Rights and the I.L.O. Conventions, \u0026ldquo;children\u0026rdquo; means anyone under 18 (I.L.O., 2018). In addition to being harmful to children\u0026rsquo;s entire social and cognitive development, the dignity and self-esteem of children are undermined by low salaries, heavy responsibilities, and lack of access to education, among other factors. According to the I.L.O. worldwide estimates report from 2017, 152\u0026nbsp;million youngsters were working in dangerous conditions, or about 73\u0026nbsp;million of them are children who are rural to urban migrant children. Risks exist in all occupations but are heightened for youngsters whose bodies and minds are still growing.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe researchers conducted some preliminary research on child migration in the study areas before assessing the problems and discovered that many children engaged in harsh and exploitative conditions. Additionally, most children come from adjacent small towns and rural areas rather than Wolkite Town. According to Labor Proclamation 1156/2019's articles 4.1, 89.1, 89.2, and 89.3, the minimum age to start working is 18. Those under the age of 18 are considered children in this Research.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe extent and nature of child migration and child labor abuse are some of the most severe social problems in urban areas of the developing world (Abebe, 2019). The existence of the issue of child migration and child labor abuse varies from country to country, depending on its size and nature. It depends on their economic development level, traditional and cultural settings, institutional intervention, and the level of harmony (Abebe, 2019). Considering this, the researchers believe that it may be crucial to examine the relationship between these two variables to comprehend how the migration of children to urban areas from rural areas of Ethiopia is exposing them to abusive environments. To do this, the researchers will employ qualitative and phenomenological approaches, enabling researchers to understand the children's lived experiences better.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cb\u003eAims of the Research\u003c/b\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis study used a qualitative research method to achieve three primary objectives. The first identifies the push and pull factors of child migration in Wolkite town. The second explores the possible areas of the workforce in which children are engaged. Finally, the study intends to assess the impact of engaging in abusive labor on children's social well-being, access to primary and secondary education, and overall well-being.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. Methods","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e1.1. Description of the Study Area\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u0026nbsp;Welkite (sometimes spelled Wolkite) is a town and distinct woreda in the new central region of \u0026nbsp;Ethiopia. Wolkite town is the political center of the GURAGE community of the Central Ethiopia region or former Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples' Region (SNNPR). The town's latitude and longitude are 94 8\u0026deg;17\u0026prime;N 37\u0026deg;47\u0026prime;E, and its elevation ranges between 1910 and 1935 meters above sea level. Cheha Woreda and Kabena's special woreda in Central Ethiopia's regional\u0026nbsp;state surround it. Welkite is in northern Central Ethiopia, where many ethnic groups live together\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e2.1. Research design and approach\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe study aimed to analyze factors driving migration and the risks of abusive labor on children in the labor market; the researchers employed a qualitative approach and phenomenological research design. The qualitative approach is a type of research approach that defines the collected data by statement (Amir, 2004). The reason to use the qualitative approach was to achieve the objective of this Research via advantage features for instant qualitative research approach enables researchers to deal with large-scale investigations, qualitative Research provides more genuine feeling because it deals with real experiences of humans and observations, qualitative Research allows the researchers to give a more generalized data and focus group discussion, interview and observation which are non-numerical analysis are more appropriate to collect data from informant (Creswell, 2019). Qualitative Research appears to be most conclusive when comprehensive, meaning that all the data collected from the participants portray their worlds as accurate to real life. This study employed a phenomenological research design. Since it is appropriate to investigate and discover answers to these research objectives, it was able to have a deep investigation into the livelihood challenges and to know the impacts of Child Labour Abuse through their life experience. The primary goals of this study were to investigate the pull and push factors of rural-to-urban child migration, the possible areas of the working force to be engaged, and the impacts of engaging in abusive labor on their social well-being (Simmon et al., 2016).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e2.2. Sampling Design and Participant Selection\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore the data collection started, Wolkite University College of Social Sciences Institutional Review Board (IRB) CSHSS/105/2023 cleared, approved, and thoroughly reviewed this study. The College of Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee granted written permission for this study. Some of the individuals we surveyed were illiterate. The researchers read the consent letter to them to assist and coordinate with the participants, ensuring that data collection proceeded smoothly. This helped raise awareness about the research objectives.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter confirming that study participants were willing to participate, the researchers, in collaboration with data collectors, began by reading out a formal letter requesting permission before obtaining written informed consent before commencing actual data collection. The researchers utilized non-probability sampling, selecting respondents using a purposive method. Purposive sampling is suitable when no sampling frame is available, and the probabilistic model that guides the random selection of all study elements introduces scientific uncertainty.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKey informants, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions were all conducted as part of this purposive sampling, deemed appropriate for a population facing additional barriers. The participants in this Research were selected through purposive sampling based on their experience, knowledge, and lived experience related to the phenomenon under investigation. The age range of the participants in this study was from 5 to 17 years old. The selection of children for sampling adhered to the International Labour Organization (ILO) guidelines from 2019.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this context, the International Labour Organization (ILO) defines children as those who work, excluding those under five and adults over 17. According to Neuman (1996), purposive sampling is more appropriate when the study aims to understand a specific case in detail because those selected have a better experience with the issue. The objective of this study is not only to generalize about a general population but to get an exhaustive and comprehensive understanding of a specific population. Using purposive sampling usually depends on the researcher's decision to select samples with a specific judgment. Therefore, the researchers have included those participants who are believed to have a better understanding of the issue to provide the researchers with rich qualitative information to achieve the study's objectives.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e2.3. Source of data\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe collected data were analyzed using content analysis to achieve the study's objectives. The researchers have also assessed documents from different sources and institutions from both governmental and non-governmental organizations. According to Neuman (1996), to do a content analysis study, it is a must to gather and analyze the content of the text. Any written, visual, or spoken document we use to communicate with others is considered text. These sources include Books, magazines, newspaper articles, speeches, advertisements, official documents, films or videotapes, musical lyrics, photographs, and websites, which were used as secondary sources. On the other hand, this study incorporated primary sources such as in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. To triangulate the data, researchers utilized both these sets of sources.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs mentioned earlier, primary data sources were utilized, specifically in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. Although no data was obtained from participants through coercion or manipulation, the names mentioned in various parts of the analysis were anonymized to protect the true identities of the individuals. Our ethical responsibility as researchers was to ensure the confidentiality and protection of the information provided by the informants.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe researcher gathered detailed information about the subjective experiences of children from a purposefully selected group of 15 5-17-year-old children who migrated from rural to urban and five parents. The criteria to select those informants was the children's age, as the World Health Organization defines children as \"under 18\" and from the ILO definition of child labor (children who engaged in economic activity aged 5\u0026ndash;17), children engaged in abusive work, and children who migrated from rural to urban. The researchers conducted in-depth interviews with children who have worked or migrated from rural to urban areas for at least one year in Wolkite Town as inclusion criteria. In addition to in-depth interviews, focus group discussion (FGD) was used to collect richer data. In FDG, the participant\u0026rsquo;s multidimensional discussion within the group was collected. Individuals familiar with this issue made the discussion more valid and reliable (Twycross, 2014). The selection of discussant for FGD was made through purposive sampling, and one focus group discussion was conducted with six participants. The key informants involved in this interview were two community elders and four personnel working on women's and children's affairs. Six informants were taken to the critical informant interview.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSocial and demographic profile of participants from Wolkite town in an in-depth interview\u003c/em\u003e (September 2023 \u0026ndash;November 2023).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCode of informants\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSex\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAge\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrevious Educational level\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo of family\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003emembers\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParents Occupation\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLength of period in labour\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDate of interview\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWT-1\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrade 10\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e11 Nov. 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWT-2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBasic Education\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e11 Nov. 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWT-3\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBasic Education\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e11 Nov. 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWT-4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIlliterate\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e11 Nov. 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWT-5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBasic Education\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnemployed\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e12 Nov. 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWT-6\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBasic Education\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e12 Nov. 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWT-7\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrade 8\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e12 Nov. 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWT-8.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrade 4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e12 Nov. 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWT-9\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrade 3\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e12 Nov. 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWT-10\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrade-7\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e15 Nov.2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWT-11\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrade- 6\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e15 Nov.2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWT-12\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrade-9\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e15 Nov.2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWT-13\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBasic Education\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e15 Nov.2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWT-14\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBasic Education\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e15 Nov.2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWT-15\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIlliterate\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFarm Work\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e15 Nov.2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSource:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ePersonal communication, 2023/24.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNB:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eWT\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Wolkite Town\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"colspec\" align=\"left\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ctable id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProfile of Key informant interviewees from women's and children\u0026rsquo;s affairs office Experts and Community Elders (Sep. 2023 Nov. 2023).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003c/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCode of informants\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSex\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAge\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarital Status\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEducational level\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOccupation\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDate of interview\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKI-1\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eM\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e68\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBasic Education\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eW.T. community elder\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e28 November 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKI-2\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eM\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e65\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBasic Education\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eW.T. community elder\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e27 November 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKI-3\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eM\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNever Married\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eB.S.C. Degree\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWT Women's and Children\u0026rsquo;s Affairs Office children\u0026rsquo;s affairs officer\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e27 November 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKI-4\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eM\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e39\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eB.S.C. Degree\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWT women's and children\u0026rsquo;s affairs office manager\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e25 November 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKI-5\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eB.S.C. Degree\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWT women's and children\u0026rsquo;s affairs office children\u0026rsquo;s affairs expert\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e23 November 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKI-6\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eF\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e31\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarried\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eB.S.C. Degree\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWT women's and children\u0026rsquo;s affairs office children\u0026rsquo;s affairs expert\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e23 November 2023\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSource:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ePersonal communication, 2023/24.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e2.4. Data collection instrument\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn-depth interviews served as our primary instrument for the primary data collection. The study aimed to gather rich information from a purposively selected group of 15 respondents, children aged 5 to 17, who were involved in rural-urban migration among urban slum residents and their parents. The in-depth interviewees comprised fifteen children who had worked or migrated from rural to urban areas for at least one year, per the study's inclusion-exclusion criteria (refer to Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). These interviews were conducted individually, each lasting approximately 30\u0026ndash;35 minutes.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe researchers have prepared and used an interview schedule to guide the interview sessions. After in-depth interviews, researchers used vital informants to collect the necessary data. In this study, individuals with more excellent knowledge and understanding of the problem were used as key informants. Thus, key informant interviews were held with the Women\u0026rsquo;s and Children's Affairs Office of Wolkite town and community leaders. Key informant interviews were conducted with four Wolkite town Women's and Children's Affairs Office officers, including the manager and two community leaders. The focus of this interview was the impact of engaging in abusive labor on their social well-being/ the access to primary and secondary education (see Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe third data collection tool used in this study was focus group discussion. To triangulate, make more muscular, and validate the data collected through in-depth interviews and key informant interviews, focus group discussion was conducted with individuals who are considered as a fit to provide more information during focus group discussion sessions. In FDG, the participant\u0026rsquo;s multidimensional discussion within the group was collected. Individuals familiar with this issue made the discussion more valid and reliable (Twycross, 2014).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe selection of discussants for FGD was made through purposive sampling, and one focus group discussion was conducted with six participants. The children who have not lived for one year, the non-workers, and those who have mental disorders that medical checkups have identified were excluded. This technique was used to extract information in a participatory manner so that the perception and view of the children can be captured and interpreted. The researchers prepared a guide that contains questions to be raised and used during the F.G.D. session. According to Neumann (1997), FGD allows the group discussant to be interviewed informally during focus group discussions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eData analysis\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTechniques in thematic data analysis were utilized to analyze the input gathered from various sources. Researchers have identified themes from the collected data based on the study's specific objectives. In the work of Ibrahim (2012, p. 97), \"Thematic analysis is essentially a type of qualitative data analysis method used to categorize, analyze, and present themes derived from collected responses.\" Data was recorded during the data collection process, detailed notes were taken, and it was easy to draw meaningful information from the raw data. At the end of each fieldwork session, researchers were to discuss the findings, describe respondents in terms of critical variables, order the data, reduce them, classify or code them, display and summarize them, and finally, interpret and draw conclusions about the data. This can provide researchers with detailed information about the issues, leading to a better interpretation. The researchers were able to associate the frequency of a theme with the overall content, enhancing the accuracy and complexity of the research findings. According to Matjasko (2022), researchers can get an opportunity to gain a broader understanding of any given issue when thematic analysis is used. Thematic analysis is a tool for quantifying the number of words or phrases and recognizing and characterizing implicit and explicit ideals. Regardless, only raw data is used for coding. Codes represent ideas or themes a researcher formulates and then applies to the data as summary markers for subsequent work. This analysis may involve comparing the relative frequencies of themes or topics within a dataset, exploring code co-occurrence, or visually illustrating relationships between codes. The approach to thematic analysis outlined by Maguire and Delahunt was adopted. The researchers have organized the study's findings as follows: Familiarizing us with the raw data was the first step. Then, the researchers generated initial codes for the findings and identified the most relevant themes. Afterward, researchers reviewed and defined themes. After all these steps, the report write-up segment commenced.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3. Results and Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe primary purpose of this part is to provide information about data presentation, analysis, and interpretation. These data are obtained through different qualitative data collection methods, like crucial informant interviews (6), in-depth interviews (15), and focus group discussions (1). Based on the study's objectives, the researchers have tried to align the themes and sub-themes with the study's objectives. To protect the identity of the participants, the researchers used false names, and the names assigned by the researchers were not related to the participants' true identities.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1. The push and pull factor of rural-to-urban child migration\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eChildren at the beginning of their early years are expected to be in school and engage in other constructive activities like playing with their peer groups. However, in developing countries like Ethiopia, they are forced to take up responsibilities early, either because of pressure from their parents, relatives, or other individuals or their respective living situations (Admassie, 2018). As a result, many children voluntarily or involuntarily migrated from rural to urban areas and entered the labor market to meet their personal needs or family subsistence. At the time of data collection, rural-to-urban migrants who engaged in labor were given open-ended questions about why they left their place of origin. In response to this question, rural-to-urban migrants who engaged in labor identified some push and pull factors that they assumed were responsible for rural-to-urban migration in the study areas. There are many things, natural or manufactured, in the rural parts of Ethiopia that push children to urban areas.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAs a result, the findings state that the respondents moved from rural to urban areas because of their own and family's poverty. Their inability to live comfortably and the size of their family make it difficult for them to get an education. Thus, they favor moving outside to earn money and support their family, which includes themselves and their siblings. Children occasionally relocate from rural to urban areas to ease the financial strain on their families. As we can deduce from the informant's response, children are compelled by poverty to take on significant home duties.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1.1. Disintegration of family/loss of parents\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe breakdown of families or the death of parents is the other driving force. Children who were asked about the reason for their move cited the death of a family member and the breakdown of their family as the factor. From in-depth interview, informant #I2, shared his perspective by saying:\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e\"Dad's passing significantly changed our way of life because he was the only member of our family to work in agriculture and provide for our necessities. After that, my mother took me to my uncle's. I lived with and received care from him but was employed as a housemaid. That is when I decided to return to my mother and leave the house. Living with my mother without my father was difficult, so I moved here a few months later. (In-depth interview, 2023)\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn-depth interviews with two boys aged 14 and 10 reveal that their family's separation greatly impacted their migration.\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e\"Our mother brought us to Wolkite after our father and mother divorced because our family was pressuring her to make amends with him.\" (from #I3 and I4, In-depth interview, 2023).\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe other respondent asserted that they relocated to Welkite Town because of financial difficulties brought on by their family's dissolution. In-depth interviews with the other two participants revealed that they cited family separation as a reason for their migration.\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"I am #I5, and I am fourteen years old. My mother and I share a home. Our origin is in Qulit. We became impoverished after my mother and father got divorced. When we got to Wolkite, I started working and found studying impossible, so I dropped out. I now make between 150 and 200 ETB a day.\" (In-depth interview, 2023)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe seventeen-year-old child stated in an in-depth interview, \"If you lose your family, you will be scattered, and you will drop out of school. Lack of foster parents makes the pressure of going from place to place even greater.\" If my mother had still been here, I would not have come. (#I7, In-depth interview, 2023)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1.2. Poor social service\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eSocial services include a range of public services that support and assist a particular society. They may be provided by individuals, private and independent organizations, or administered by a government agency (Nicoli, 2015). This study found that children's migration is influenced by a lack of schools and unsuitable roads to school.\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eThe 17-year-old boy #I6 said, \"I pass many complicated ways to reach my school when I learn 1\u0026ndash;10.\" \"However, there was no preparatory school after I finished the tenth grade, so I made the decision to come here and live with my father's relatives, and I started working to finance my education.\" (In-depth interview, 2023)\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe above respondent, informant #I8, says.\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e\"The school was so far from my home; I was so tired to go through that all-long way to learn, so I missed class without knowledge of my parents, and then I dropped out and came here to work.\" (In-depth interview 2023)\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChildren who lack access to education seem to attend school less frequently, which could increase the risk of child labor and intermigration. The primary cause is a lack of accessibility to better public services, particularly education.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1.3. Poor childcare culture\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccording to data from KIs, #K1, community elders, inadequate childcare is the leading cause of children moving from rural to urban areas.\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e\"The kids will choose migration over staying put to meet their needs when a family disregards the wants and needs of the kids, fails to protect the kids, and refuses to pay the kids' school fees.\" (Key informant interview 2023)\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe outcome is that Children participate in the rural-to-urban migration and work to pay for shoes, clothes, stationery, etc., in addition to their need for food. However, because of their extreme poverty, parents pay little attention to these needs and primarily worry about their children's nutritional needs. This gradually encourages kids to go from the countryside to cities and participate in productive occupations without realizing how it affects their development.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1.4. Children's families' low value for education\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e Respondents mentioned that their parents did not believe educating their children was best for them. Children complained that they had to work instead of going to school. Participants in in-depth interviews claim that his family's lack of willingness to provide for his needs for school supplies and other necessities is what drives him out of town. Respondent #I9 says, about the factor that made him migrate, that.\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eI came to Welkite because my parents were uneasy and reluctant to spend money on school materials. I often fought about whether to buy an exercise book or a pen. A friend of mine suggested that I work with him here so that I could start earning money. I told my family and friends that I agreed. My parents did not oppose me even though they knew I wanted to work in Wolkite. At the time, I had personally located the job. I wanted to make some money since I needed to ask my father to repurchase things for home because he could not afford all I wanted for school. (In-depth interview, 2023)\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn addition, they note that information from key informants, community elder #K2, indicates that rural society's priority for education significantly influences children's migratory decisions.\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e\"The value of education has the biggest impact on children's migration because, if they cannot attend school because of the expectations placed on them by their families and society, they begin to look for better ways to make a living and ultimately choose to migrate.\" (Key informant interview 2023)\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1.5. Domestic violence\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAlso, domestic violence is the main trigger factor for rural-to-urban child migration. Children who migrate from rural areas face different forms of domestic and physical violence, such as beating at their home of origin. Therefore, when children face domestic or physical violence, they prefer to migrate to be economically independent or to make sure about their freedom, and this result is in line with the study conducted by Menjivar (2013). The 16-year-old respondent from the in-depth interview says that.\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e\"I was a regular student, though I occasionally got in trouble for missing deadlines for my assignments. However, math was a challenging subject. My academic achievement received harsh criticism from my father. He gave me a hard time and told me to improve my grade, but I lost all interest in learning and failed my most hated subject in the eighth grade. My parents begged me not to take the exam, but I refused because I thought it would be awkward to sit with underprepared children while my friends and peers would be studying more. After my father severely beat me, I decided to move into the house and take charge of my own life. I wanted to run from this. (From informant #I10, 2023)\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhen children experience abuse, violence, or neglect at home or school, they may decide to leave their families. Therefore, there is a chance that children may migrate from rural to urban areas. Children were financially dependent on their families. Since money allows kids to buy items for themselves, get help, and eventually sustain themselves, it can help kids become more independent.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1.6. Seasonal factors\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe data from critical informants #KI3, women\u0026rsquo;s and children's affairs, says that most families that engage in child labor largely depend on agriculture as a significant source of income.\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;As everyone knows, many people living in rural areas rely on agriculture for their income. In addition, many rural families use their children as laborers and farmhands, meaning that after the farming season ends, the children will have nothing to do. Moreover, children have a strong possibility of obtaining employment if they are not enrolled in school. (Key informant interview 2023)\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThus, one might labor in agriculture in agricultural areas during harvest seasons. However, whenever harvest season ended, the kids would explore other ways to make ends meet, ultimately traveling to a small nearby town to hunt for jobs. This sessional child labor is crucial for children not attending regular school. Furthermore, a seventeen-year-old male participant stated that he typically migrates in the off-farming season.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1.7. Displacement due to war\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eConflict\u003c/strong\u003e \u003cp\u003eis a factor in children moving from rural to urban areas, according to critical information interviews with women and children's issues and in-depth interviews with children. A 12-year-old child, #I11, said.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e\"I did well in school, but because of political unrest in my neighborhood, I relocated to Wolkite and stopped attending. My father brought me here (to the city) when there was a conflict in the neighborhood. He sent me so I could go to school. My distant relative took me in and offered to send me to school, but when they could not enroll me, I quit going and started working to support myself. (In-depth interview, 2023)\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eIntermigration may result from forced displacement brought on by war or other conflict, according to data from key informants. The conversation with essential witnesses from the gender and child office scandal, #K3, says.\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e\"Many kids move to Wolkite with their families, and some of the kids start working to help their parents and get through the financial hardship brought on by losing their job and place to live.\" (Key Informants interview, 2023)\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTherefore, as the study demonstrates, migration may result from conflicts and insecurity. Along with Morrissey's (2011) research finding, instability pushes a person to decide on migration. So, when exposed to violence and turmoil, youngsters will decide whether to move to surrounding towns with their families or on their own. Therefore, the security issue would result in population displacement.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2. The possible areas of the working force to be engaged\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccording to the findings of the study, migrant children would, in one way or another, participate in labor because, after they migrated, they were at risk of becoming child laborers. There are many areas of engagement to work in, but based on the respondent\u0026rsquo;s responses, the labor frequently mentioned is the following.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec18\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.1. Domestic worker\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eA child who is under 18 and performs domestic activities in his or her employer\u0026rsquo;s household with or without remuneration is considered a child domestic servant. They often live in their employer\u0026rsquo;s house and work within its premises. A 12-year-old child, #I14, says\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e\"In a family of six kids, I am the oldest. My father abruptly lost some money that our wealthy neighborhood owed him. He quickly became unable to support us, which resulted in huge economic losses for the home. My mother could not take care of the family by herself. My mother sent me to Wolkite when I was ten years old, along with a woman. I am aware that I am performing domestic work and supporting my mother since this woman's business involved removing women and children from the village and placing them in Wolkite households as domestic help.\u0026rdquo; (In-depth interview, 2023)\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e14 years old child, #I8, from in-depth interview say.\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eI have done household chores such as washing dishes and cleaning the house. (In-depth interview, 2023)\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec20\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.2. Working on the Street\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eMany young people support themselves by laboring on the streets. In-depth interviews and information from key informants indicate that kids would likely engage in street jobs like selling goods and carrying large objects. From in-depth interviews, two participants say.\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMy name is #I5. I come from Dauro, but now I live in Wolkite. I work as a distro (shoeshine) and earn 150\u0026ndash;200 birr per hour. I spend 11 hours at work daily.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;My name is #I7. I come from Wolita Sodo. I live in Gubre. I am 17 years old. I sell lottery. I work 1\u0026ndash;12 hours a day and earn 70\u0026ndash;100 birr.\u0026rdquo; (In-depth interview, 2023)\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eChildren who work on the streets often do petty jobs available on the streets. Children stated that they were street laborers, working to sell small products on the streets, carrying household goods or items near or around marketplaces and to and from grinding mills, and carrying passenger bags and other goods around bus stations. Coffee vending, shoe shining, daily labor, and lottery selling are possible areas for children on the street after migration.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec21\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.3. Employment in the private sector\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eMany respondents worked in private organizations like cafes, bars, and restaurants. Serving as a waiter to provide coffee, tea, or meals in restaurants and bars are some of the works that respondents working in private organizations mentioned.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrom FGD child participant #F3 was engaged in the private sector and said,\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;As a waitress, I clean the cafe and do the dishwashing.\u0026rdquo; (FGD, 2023)\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eTherefore, as in the findings of the study conducted by Holden (2014), most rural-urban migrants are engaged in service sectors in the study area.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec22\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.4. Abusive labor tasks impact on children\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eIn this theme, informants and discussants from various communities clarified the effects of child work on children's social well-being (on their education, health, and social connection with their peer group). Child work significantly impacts children's education, social interactions with their peers, health, and social well-being.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec23\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.5. Education\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTwo-thirds of them worked more than ten hours a day. Moreover, according to the FGD results, owners are forced to work on weekends and holidays. Some domestic workers did all household and private sector work without discrimination. FGD discussant #IF4, F1, and F2 mentioned that.\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;When I finish one type of work, they give me another one to work, and then I work until all is complete\" (FGD, 2023)\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;I am sixteen years old, and I have dropped out of seventh grade, and I am working. The length of my working hours is from two o'clock in the morning to three o'clock in the evening.\u0026rdquo; (FGD, 2023)\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;I am fourteen years old, and I was in seventh grade, and now I have dropped out and am working.\u0026rdquo; (FGD, 2023)\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLike the research finding, labor significantly impacts children\u0026rsquo;s schooling, Kusumawardhani (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e). Therefore, this study also identified that child labor hurts children\u0026rsquo;s education. Because of the lack of draw and interest after a long workday, it is perceived that educational opportunities and attainment are reduced due to child labor migration. Nevertheless, migration can have a positive impact on education as well. Even though most respondents attended primary school, most were not at school during their studies. According to the results of the FGD, not being able to afford to pay for tuition, absence of time (working for long periods), being too tired to go to school in the evening, and a few of them mentioned lack of permission from employers are the main reasons mentioned for not attending schools.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec24\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.6. Social interaction with their peers\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eChildren\u0026rsquo;s Social interaction with their peer group is necessary while they are in the developing stage. Because every child should pass through minimal interaction to their full development, as a concern of this Research, the researchers investigated laborer children's social interaction with their peer group to identify how their work affects their development. Children's Social interaction in the study area was less because of their crowded full-time work.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFrom FGD, most children work daily, from morning to night. #F4, the 15-year-old child says that.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;I spent my time on work all day.\u0026rdquo; (FGD, 2023)\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eMany would go weeks without seeing their fellow traders due to work commitments. As Hall (2017) asserts, for a child to have healthy and normal development, they require not only the reassurances of protection, food, and essential health care for survival but also the need for affection, interaction with others, and age-appropriate stimulation for learning through exploration and discovery. Consequently, the results of this study\u0026mdash;highlighting the absence of affection, working full-time, and prolonged separation from family\u0026mdash;do not positively influence children's social development.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec25\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2.7. Health Problems\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eMost reported previously encountering one or more health problems (from in-depth interviews). Respiratory tract diseases and skin diseases were the major health problems mentioned. Respondents experienced symptoms such as headaches and fever, leading to sweating and shivering due to malaria at some point. Similarly, respiratory tract infections are common and manifest with symptoms such as chest pain, cough, fever, and purulent sputum. Apparent reasons for not washing appeared to include a lack of time or no possibility (for street laborers, who might wear masks continuously, even on public transport). According to the findings (Joshi, 2013), most children wash once every two weeks, and children wash once within a month. The findings on health and hygiene, clothing, shoe-wearing, and personal hygiene behaviors showed that street laborers were wearing dirty, old rags, some of which had tears and holes, with the majority not wearing shoes, exposing their skin to various diseases. The primary reason for poor personal hygiene is likely a lack of time and knowledge regarding its importance.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eParticipant from an in-depth interview, #I8, says that.\u003cdiv class=\"BlockQuote\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003eA 14-year-old child says I work listro (Shoeshine) to help my mom, and sometimes I encounter problems.\" (In-depth interview, 2023)\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA 16-year-old child from the in-depth interview, #I1, says.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e\u0026ldquo;I was working inside household chores such as washing a lot of people's clothes, cleaning the house, and washing dishes. During this time, I also suffered some injuries because of overworking.\u0026rdquo; (In-depth interview, 2023)\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCommunity elders from a key informant, #K4, interviews say.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003cem\u003e\"Children migrate from rural areas to cities due to problems, such as loss of parent, poverty, and lack of awareness. These children come to the city to do heavy work beyond their capacity like bistro holding heavy things and working in individual houses. The effect of being laborers is enormous on their health because they are usually married to different types of addictions and abused. When a child works, they may lose their body, and they will also be exposed to mental problems. (Key informant interview, 2023)\u003c/em\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAccording to Feleke (2015), the well-being of children who migrated and engaged in labor is vulnerable; also, in this investigation, children\u0026rsquo;s educational status is evident in their vulnerability.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4. Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe main objectives of this study were to identify the push and pull factors of child migration, explore the possible areas of the working force to be engaged, and assess the impact of engaging in abusive labor on their social well-being. The researchers focus on child migrants between the ages of 5 and 17, community elders, and personnel in Wolkite Town to attain research questions. To this end, the researchers have gathered data through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews by employing qualitative methods. Secondary data sources supported and complemented the primary data and identified gaps previously overlooked by researchers.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eLike other developing countries, Ethiopia has been experiencing the rapid growth of rural-urban migration, and it has become the most crucial component of internal migration. Children leave their homes and homelands for several reasons and in various circumstances. According to the results of this study, rural-urban migration in the study areas was influenced by age. Some groups of children are viewed as more vulnerable to child labor, such as those entering the country as migrants. Research has shown that most laborers are from rural areas. As the study shows, several factors pushed these children to work. Results from qualitative studies, in-depth interviews, KI interviews, and FGD revealed that conditions such as poverty, the disintegration of families or loss of parents, poor social service, poor childcare culture, family\u0026rsquo;s low value for education, domestic violence, seasonal factors, and displacement due to war are considered to push factors that might have contributed to child rural-urban migration and consequently to being child laborers.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePull factors of rural-to-urban child migration include the anticipation of better job opportunities and family remittances. Children of recurring migrant laborers in rural and urban areas lack adequate protection. Consequently, working children are vulnerable to exploitation, both through their work and by others. Their labor-intensive lives leave them with minimal time for socializing with peers, little room for schoolwork, and no access to healthcare services. Child laborers lack educational empowerment and face severe health risks, jeopardizing their social interactions and exacerbating feelings of child alienation. Without their families' love, affection, care, and protection, these children are less fortunate than those who enjoy these essential rights, which should be inherent to every child.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"5. Limitations of the study","content":"\u003cp\u003eIn this study, high prominence was given to the relationship between rural-urban migration and child labor abuse. We have discussed the impact of child rural-urban migration on children as it causes abuse in children. However, this paper does not consider other related factors for child abuse and abusive work. A deep and holistic analysis is needed to analyze the effect of other factors. In addition, children who had not stayed more than one year in the study area were excluded from this study. Thus, a study that includes children who have not stayed for more than one year seems essential. Researchers recommend that further Research will be needed to assess the unmentioned dimensions of rural-urban migration and abusive child work.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"6. What the study adds","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study has used recent literary and thematic analysis methods regarding the issue under study. We believe that this is the first study that tries to understand the relationship between rural-urban migration and child abuse and abusive work. Accordingly, the study revealed that rural-urban migration is causing severe child abuse, which is a violation of international children's rights conventions. Besides, this study, unlike the other studies, has shown that Children's families' low value for education tends to increase rural-urban migration that leads children to abusive work. The study revealed that the engagement of children in abusive work is mainly related to the social, economic, and cultural situations of their families.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e \u003ch2\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003e The researchers have received a waiver of ethical approval from the University (where we work) Faculty of Social Science and Humanities' Ethical and Review Board. The board has reviewed the nature of the study, and researchers have performed the procedures as part of routine care under CSHH/3103/2023.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eKassahun Dejene Zeleke, and Habtamu Wondimu designed the study. Both performed the data collection tool development and data collection. Kassahun analyzed data. Kassahun Dejene, and Habtamu Wondimu wrote the paper with input from both of us.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData Availability\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe author will provide the necessary data upon request from the editor or reviewer.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbebe T, Kj\u0026oslash;rholt AT. Social actors and victims of exploitation: working children in the cash economy of Ethiopia's South. Childhood. 2009;16(2):175\u0026ndash;94.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbeje A. Causes and effects of rural-urban migration in Ethiopia: A case study from Amhara Region. Afr Stud. 2021;80(1):77\u0026ndash;94.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdmassie A. (2000). \u003cem\u003eThe incidence of child labor in Africa with empirical evidence from rural Ethiopia\u003c/em\u003e (No. 32). 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Reg Sci Urban Econ. 2021;91:103713.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSimmonds-Moore CA. An interpretative phenomenological analysis exploring synesthesia as an exceptional experience: Insights for consciousness and cognition. Qualitative Res Psychol. 2016;13(4):303\u0026ndash;27.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWoldehanna T, Jones N. (2014). Child Labor in Ethiopia: Overview and Policy Challenges. World Child Labor, 259\u0026ndash;64.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":true,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Migration, child labor, abusive tasks, social well-being, and rural-urban child migration","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-5303460/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-5303460/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eThe specific objectives of the study were to identify the reasons (push and pull factors) behind child migration, to investigate the sectors where children are likely to work and to evaluate the effects of engaging in abusive labor on their overall well-being, including education, health, and social interaction with their peers. The study was conducted using qualitative research methodology and a phenomenological study design. Purposive sampling techniques were employed to select the informants. For data collection, the researchers employed vital informant interviews, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions as data collection tools to gather information to attain research objectives. Data from the informant was analyzed using thematic qualitative analytical research methods. The result shows that there are many factors influencing rural-to-urban child migration. One of the reasons for the finding was poverty; the others were the disintegration of families or loss of parents, poor social service, poor childcare culture, family's low value for education, domestic violence, seasonal factors, and displacement due to war.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFurthermore, children are engaged in trim work, such as domestic servants in the private sector and selling items on the streets. Finally, for children who engage in labor, their social well-being (education, health, and social interaction with their peer group) is affected, and their labor has negative consequences for their social well-being. The Research recommends government and N.G.O. intervention, family planning for large families, poverty alleviation, and economic support for poor households and children. Finally, children should be engaged in school at an early age.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Determinants of child intra-migration and exposure to abusive labor tasks: A phenomenological study","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2024-11-04 10:00:00","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-5303460/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"bd5ae500-5f22-4f23-920b-fc09183f08bd","owner":[],"postedDate":"November 4th, 2024","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2024-11-04T10:00:03+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2024-11-04 10:00:00","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-5303460","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-5303460","identity":"rs-5303460","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}