Child Labor in Zanzibar’s Blue Economy: A Persistent Threat to Education and Wellbeing

As Zanzibar’s blue economy expands, a recent study reveals a troubling reality: children are increasingly involved in dangerous marine activities, jeopardizing their health, education, and future prospects. Despite legal protections, child labor persists along the island’s coast, driven by poverty and cultural norms.

The Daily Reality for Zanzibar’s Coastal Children

Along the west coast of Zanzibar, children like 13-year-classic Asha* contribute to their families’ livelihoods by engaging in physically demanding and often hazardous work. Asha spends her days prying octopus and scaling fish for drying and sale, a routine that exemplifies the challenges faced by many young people in the region. This work is not a choice, but a necessity, as families struggle to make ends meet.

A Recent Study Highlights the Scale of the Problem

A study titled “Situational Analysis of Child Labour in Coastal and Marine Activities in Zanzibar,” conducted by the University of Dar es Salaam, found that fishing and related marine activities are the most dangerous forms of child labor in the archipelago. Researchers surveyed 90 children working in Kiwengwa, Nungwi, and Nyamanz, revealing a significant problem. The study found that 93 percent of children engaged in marine work reported extreme fatigue, whereas 58.6 percent had suffered injuries from fish spines, boat engines, or sharp equipment.

Impact on Education and Future Opportunities

The consequences of child labor extend beyond immediate physical harm. School records from the surveyed communities demonstrate that around 20 percent of enrolled pupils dropped out between 2012 and 2015, with involvement in child labor cited as a key reason. Children involved in fishing were more than twice as likely to miss school or fail examinations compared to their peers not engaged in such work, highlighting the detrimental impact on their education and future opportunities.

Legal Framework and Enforcement Challenges

Tanzanian law prohibits employment for children under 14, and restricts work for those aged 15 to 17 to light work that does not harm their health or interfere with schooling. Hazardous work, including fishing, diving, and hauling heavy nets, is banned for anyone under 18, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment. Though, enforcement remains inconsistent, particularly in informal sectors like fishing and domestic work.

Poverty and Cultural Factors

Researchers emphasize that the issue is not simply one of exploitation, but is deeply rooted in poverty and cultural practices. As Happiness Moshi, the study’s lead author, explained, children often work to help their families, unaware of the risks involved or the educational opportunities they are missing. Village elder Othman Mahmood Ali noted that child labor has been a long-standing practice in the community, seen as a way for children to learn essential skills for survival.

The Blue Economy Paradox

Zanzibar is actively promoting a “blue economy” focused on sustainable marine resource management and ecotourism. However, this narrative often overlooks the labor conditions that underpin it. Child rights advocate Nurdin Ali Maulid points out that the image of a clean, sustainable blue economy contrasts sharply with the reality of children working in dangerous and exploitative conditions.

Government Efforts and Future Outlook

Zanzibar’s authorities acknowledge the problem and are taking steps to address it. Fishery Coordination Officer Makame Chumu Shaalin stated that the government is conducting patrols, raising awareness about child labor laws, and working with communities to promote education. Licensing reforms are also underway, requiring fishing vessels to be registered and meet safety standards.

Despite these efforts, the persistence of child labor in Zanzibar’s blue economy remains a significant challenge. Ensuring a sustainable future for the island requires protecting its children and providing them with the opportunity to pursue education and a brighter future.

*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals.