Stakeholder Engagement and Child Street Begging in Sokoto State, Nigeria: A Qualitative Inquiry

Abstract

This study examines stakeholder engagement and Child Street begging in Sokoto State, Nigeria. Guided by qualitative research objectives, data were collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and interviews, targeting children under 10 years engaged in street begging, as well as key informants. A total of 280 participants were selected from a population of 1,500 children using proportionate sampling. Data were analyzed thematically using NVivo 14 software. Findings revealed that government agencies perform multifaceted roles in addressing Child Street begging, including law enforcement, rehabilitation, social support, and community engagement. Enforcement and rehabilitation were the most frequently cited roles, while challenges such as limited resources and inadequate public awareness were consistently highlighted. The study also found that non-governmental and community-based organizations (NGOs and CBOs) play a pivotal role in protecting and rehabilitating vulnerable children through advocacy, awareness, mentorship, and moral guidance. The findings demonstrate that effective interventions require coordinated efforts between government agencies, communities, religious institutions, and NGOs. The study concludes that addressing Child Street begging in Sokoto State demands a multifaceted and collaborative approach. Recommendations include increasing funding and personnel for government programs, raising community awareness about the dangers of street begging, formalizing partnerships with NGOs and CBOs and expanding comprehensive rehabilitation programs encompassing education, counseling and vocational training to ensure sustainable reintegration of rescued children into society.