While chocolate remains one of the world's most beloved treats, its production often comes at a human cost. New research reveals that child labor in cocoa farming—particularly in West Africa—has increased despite decades of industry promises to eliminate the practice.
Growing Problem in Cocoa Heartlands
A joint study by the U.S. Department of Labor and the University of Chicago's National Opinion Research Center (NORC) found a 14% increase in child labor across cocoa farms in Ivory Coast and Ghana between 2009-2019. This troubling trend emerged even as cocoa production surged by 62% during the same period.
The research identified that child labor predominantly occurs in low-to-medium yield farms, suggesting economic pressures force families to rely on children's labor where productivity remains low. NORC's comprehensive survey included over 11,000 interviews across 2824 roster surveys, 2809 household surveys, and assessments of 372 cocoa sheds.
Root Causes of Persistent Child Labor
Poverty and Structural Inequality
Chronic poverty remains the fundamental driver, with cocoa farmers receiving minimal profits while chocolate manufacturers capture most value. Many families simply cannot survive without children contributing to farm work.
Education Gaps
Inadequate schooling infrastructure leaves children with few alternatives to farm labor. When education appears inaccessible or ineffective, families prioritize immediate economic survival.
Weak Enforcement
Lax government oversight and corruption enable continued child labor practices. Without meaningful consequences, some farmers continue exploiting children as cheap labor.
Broken Promises and Consumer Expectations
The chocolate industry has repeatedly missed self-imposed deadlines to eliminate child labor, first set in 2005, then extended to 2008, 2010, and most recently 2020. World Cocoa Foundation President Richard Scobey acknowledged these failures, noting that approximately 1.6 million children still work in hazardous conditions in Ivory Coast and Ghana.
Modern consumers increasingly demand ethical products. With the global chocolate market projected to reach $139 billion by 2024, companies face growing pressure to prove their supply chains are child-labor-free.
Technological Solutions Emerging
Some manufacturers are turning to technology for solutions:
- Olam International achieved 100% traceability for directly sourced cocoa
- Barry Callebaut implemented child labor monitoring systems for 26% of farmer groups
- Rainforest Alliance plans GPS tracking for certified cocoa farms
- Blockchain technology shows promise for supply chain transparency
Global Supply Chain Challenges
Cocoa isn't alone in facing labor ethics issues. Palm oil production faces similar child labor scandals, prompting U.S. Customs to block some imports. However, the cocoa industry's concentrated geography in West Africa presents unique opportunities for targeted reforms.
Path Forward
Experts recommend multi-pronged solutions:
- Establish transparent, tech-enabled supply chains
- Strengthen government enforcement and farmer training
- Improve cocoa pricing to lift farmers from poverty
- Invest in rural education infrastructure
- Educate consumers to support ethical brands
Eliminating child labor in cocoa requires sustained commitment from governments, corporations, and consumers alike. Only through collective action can the chocolate industry ensure its sweet products don't come from children's bitter labor.