The two countries recently hosted a three-day conference, according to local news site the Tanzania Insight, which brought together government officials and industry stakeholders to discuss strategies for addressing child labour in the cotton sector and improving working conditions for farming communities.
Speaking at the event, ILO national project coordinator Glory Blasio said the initiative aims to promote safer working environments, improve occupational health standards and strengthen social protection systems to help prevent children from entering agricultural work.
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Blasio noted that economic hardship remains one of the primary factors driving child labour in cotton-producing regions, with some families relying on children’s work to supplement household incomes.
Cotton is a key agricultural crop in Tanzania, particularly in regions such as Simiyu, where it provides income for thousands of smallholder farmers. However, the labour-intensive nature of cotton cultivation has long raised concerns about the use of child labour during planting and harvesting periods.
During the conference, officials highlighted the need for coordinated action between governments, international organisations and local communities to address the root causes of the issue.
Frank Kilimba, assistant director of social protection at Tanzania’s Prime Minister’s Office responsible for Labour, Youth, Employment and Persons with Disabilities, pointed to technology and mechanisation as part of the solution. He argued that modern farming techniques could reduce dependence on manual labour while helping farmers improve productivity.
Kilimba suggested that greater adoption of mechanised equipment and improved farming systems could help reduce the demand for family labour and support efforts to keep children in education.
Government representatives also stressed the importance of awareness campaigns aimed at educating communities about the risks associated with child labour.
Hadija Hensi, Simiyu regional labour officer, said outreach programmes continue to highlight the importance of education and remind communities that Tanzanian law prohibits the employment of children under the age of 14.
The collaboration with Brazil is seen as particularly valuable given the country’s experience in addressing child labour challenges within its own agricultural sectors, including cotton production.
The Cotton Wealth Decent Work project forms part of wider international efforts to eliminate child labour from global supply chains, amid growing scrutiny from brands, consumers and advocacy groups over labour conditions in cotton sourcing.
According to the Tanzania Insight, the conference reflected growing recognition that tackling child labour requires a combination of stronger enforcement, economic support for vulnerable families, improved access to education and investment in agricultural modernisation.
