Influence of livestock activities on school attendance and academic achievement of the boy-child in Ghana

Abstract

The livestock sector is one of the fastest-growing segments of the agricultural economy and contributes significantly to rural livelihoods which have led to the engagement of its activities by the boy-child. The study was carried out to assess the influence of child labour in livestock on the education of the boy-child in Sagnarigu Municipal. Cross-sectional descriptive survey design was used. Out of 350 households visited, 90 boys (male children) were involved in livestock activities and available for the interview. Questionnaire and interview guide were the main data collection instruments. Descriptive analysis and Chi-Square test at 0.05 probability level in SPSS software was used for data analysis. The findings showed that the boy-child was engaged in livestock activities which were mostly carried out at morning hours (60.0%) before attending school. Engagement in livestock activities had no influence on school attendance and academic achievement as reported by the boy-child and their parents. Although, the boys denied being affected in school attendance and academic achievement due to their involvement in livestock activities, their responses at which the majority (75.6%) stated that they will perform better academically without working in the livestock sector indicated otherwise. It can thus be concluded that, in the short-term the effects of livestock on the boy's education may not be much felt, but in the long run it could cause some impediment to their academic progress if solutions are not implemented on time. It is therefore recommended that, education of both parents and children on dangers of involvement in livestock activities, particularly, herding activities should be carried out.