The cocoa industry is essential in the production of one of the most consumed pleasures in the world: chocolate. However, behind this sweet delight lies a bitter problem: child labor. Several cocoa-producing countries have been singled out for the exploitation of children in this industry, and the figures are concerning.
Affected countries:
Child labor in the cocoa industry affects several countries, including Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and others in West and Central Africa, which together represent approximately 70% of the world’s cocoa production. These countries are the epicenter of production but also of child labor exploitation.
Estimates of children involved:
Estimates vary, but according to the International Labour Organization (ILO) and other sources, it is believed that hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of children work in precarious conditions on cocoa plantations in these countries. Children, in many cases, perform dangerous and exhausting tasks, such as cocoa harvesting and exposure to vectors such as dengue fever or malaria due to conditions on cocoa plantations.
Accused companies:
Several multinational companies that purchase cocoa from these regions have been accused in the past of benefiting from child labor. While some of these allegations have led to measures and commitments to address the problem, significant challenges still persist.
For example, in 2001, a series of investigative reports revealed that renowned chocolate companies were buying cocoa from plantations that used child labor. In response, the International Cocoa and Chocolate Protocol was established, under the supervision of the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) and the ILO. Companies pledged to eliminate child labor in their supply chains by 2020, but progress has been uneven.
Consequences and ongoing challenges:
Despite efforts, child labor in the cocoa industry remains a serious problem. Consequences for children include a lack of access to education, exposure to health risks, and the denial of their childhood. Furthermore, agricultural communities often face poverty and cyclical exploitation.
While there have been advances in the fight against child labor in the cocoa industry, more coordinated efforts are needed among governments, companies, and international organizations to effectively address this problem. Consumer awareness also plays a crucial role in pressuring companies to fulfill their commitments to eradicate child labor in cocoa production and ensure that the chocolate we enjoy is a pleasure without hidden bitterness.
