Abstract: Labor Trafficking Among Youth and Young Adults in Malawi and Zambia: Understanding the Scope and Context (Society for Social Work and Research 29th Annual Conference)

Schedule:

Friday, January 17, 2025

Medina, Level 3 (Sheraton Grand Seattle)

* noted as presenting author

David Okech, PhD, Georgia Athletics Association Professor of Human Trafficking Implementation Research / Center Director, University of Georgia, Athens, GA

Anna Cody, PhD, Assistant Research Scientist, University of Georgia, Athens, GA

Hui Yi, PhD, Assistant Research Scientist, University of Georgia, Athens, GA

Lydia Aletraris, PhD, Associate Research Scientist & Associate Director, University of Georgia, Athens, GA

Claire Bolton, PhD, Assistant Director, University of Georgia, Athens, GA

Edward Chibwili, Research Fellow & National Investigator, University of Zambia, Zambia

Joseph Chunga, Lecturer/ Research Fellow & National Investigator, University of Malawi, Malawi

Cassandra Eng, MA, Qualitative Support Specialist, University of Georgia, Athens, GA

Pedro Goulart, PhD, Data Analyst, University of Georgia, Athens, GA

Megan E. Gordon, BA, MSW student & Graduate Assistant, University of Georgia

Background: Labor trafficking is estimated to impact more than 17 million people worldwide. Stakeholders in the Southern African region have identified measuring the prevalence of labor trafficking as a priority. Youth and young adults (YYAs) may be at heightened risk of experiencing labor trafficking due to the combination of enormous pressures put on young people to financially support their family (including younger siblings, elder family members, as well as their own children), coupled with limited access to jobs and economic opportunities for young people. However, there is a gap in knowledge about the scope and context of labor trafficking among YYAs. The present study sought to address this gap and build knowledge for regional, national, and local stakeholders to 1) estimate the prevalence of labor trafficking among YYAs within critical districts in Zambia and Malawi, 2) understand the context of how labor trafficking is experienced by young people, and 3) learn from community perspectives about what can be done to prevent and respond to labor trafficking.

Methods: Following ethics approval and permission from local leaders, mixed methods were used to collect data in four districts in Zambia (Lusaka, Livingstone, Sesheke, and Chipata) and two in Malawi (Blantyre and Mangochi). In total, 3,154 households with 18-35-year-old YYAs (2,024 households in Zambia, and 1,130 households in Malawi) were surveyed. In addition, we conducted interviews with 105 YYAs (18-35-year-old), 50 key informants with knowledge about labor trafficking context and policy, 14 key informants with knowledge about financial capability initiatives, and community members through 27 focus groups.

Results: Using direct estimation, we found that labor trafficking impacted 10-30% of YYAs within study districts, with the highest prevalence rates in urban districts (29% in Livingstone, Zambia) and lower rates in rural districts (10% Mangochi, Malawi). Trafficking experiences were reported by the YYA survivors, which included abuse and exploitation during recruitment (such as lying about the nature of a job, or coercing individuals due to debts), degrading work conditions and abusive employment practices (such as violence and restrictions of movement). One third of YYA survivors of labor trafficking reported experiencing violations of personal life and property, and restriction of freedom of movement, while one of every five YYAs who were trafficked experienced violence or threats of violence in the workplace. Respondents who were interviewed (including YYAs and key informants) described many challenges faced by YYAs, which were believed to contribute to YYA vulnerability, including a lack of financial empowerment for youth (such as limited economic opportunities, limited jobs, difficulty accessing loans to start a business or ability to save), and a lack of enforcement of job safety regulations and anti-trafficking laws. Recommendations to address labor trafficking included investing in community building and development, enhancing financial empowerment of YYAs, and increasing access to safe jobs.

Implications: Results from this study are currently being used for co-development of a financial capability intervention in Zambia and Malawi with YYA survivors of labor trafficking and other key stakeholders to reduce the prevalence of labor trafficking and support YYAs overall well-being.