AIP LEAVES ROOM FOR CHILD ABUSE

By Aamon Butao

Child rights activists have warned that the Affordable Input Program has provided fertile ground for child abuse. 

The remarks come as parents and guardians are spending more time at various depots in an attempt to purchase farm materials.

In an interview with Timveni, Fred Nyondo said by staying longer at selling points, parents and guardians are putting lives of children at risk back home.

Ever since the Affordable Input Program rolled out, several stakeholders have expressed concern with the challenges that have riddled the initiative. 

The problems have ranged from unscrupulous traders to the more pressing setback of network glitches.

According to Nyondo, the development leaves children more vulnerable to abuse as most parents and guardians leave children without anyone to look after them. 

“Many children risk facing various forms of abuse including sexual violence and trafficking as parents and guardians spend more time away from home in the quest to buy farm inputs.” Said Nyondo.

Nyondo added that it is undeniable that children have been subjected to abuse since the inception of the AIP program.

Nyondo added that, “Absconding classes is also another worrying effect of the scheme on children.”

He has since urged government to quickly iron out challenges encountered in the implementation of the Affordable Input Program.