 Child
labor is a widespread phenomenon in the
developing world. The International Labour
Organization estimates that, in relative terms,
child labor is most widespread in Africa even
though Africa accounts for only one-third of the
working children in the developing world.
Children's participation in the labor force
exceeds 30 percent in many areas. Studies have
also shown that most child labor occurs in the
informal sectors in Africa, including the
agricultural sector. Given that almost half of
the African population is children, and that the
high incidence of HIV/AIDS is leading to a
decrease in the middle aged population, all
accounts suggest that dramatic steps are
required to aggressively curb further loss of
human capital accumulation and step up efforts
to ensure that all African children can grow up
to lead productive and healthy lives.
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