Street Hawking and Children of School Age: a Study of Street Hawking in Gusau Local Government

This study investigated the factors associated with street hawking among children in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State, Nigeria. Specifically, it examined the influence of high cost of living, large family size, poverty, and ignorance on children's involvement in street hawking. Findings revealed that the high cost of living, including the costs of goods, services, school fees, transportation, and accommodation, significantly hinders parents from enrolling their children in school and contributes to an increase in child street hawking. Additionally, large family size was found to strain family resources, making it difficult for parents to provide adequate care and education, thereby pushing children into street hawking. Poverty emerged as a major driver, limiting access to education and compelling children to seek alternative means of livelihood through hawking. Lastly, ignorance among children, characterized by a lack of awareness about the value of education and the dangers of street hawking, further exacerbates the problem. These findings align with previous research, including those by Fawole (2003), Naidu (2008), Oloko (2006), Olufayo (2006), and Ojo (2013), and highlight the multifaceted nature of street hawking as a socio-economic and educational issue. The study recommends targeted interventions such as poverty alleviation, family planning education, public awareness campaigns, and improved access to quality education to address the root causes of child street hawking in the region.