Ending Child Labour and Promoting Sustainable Cocoa Production in Co Te Divoire and Ghana Report FINAL

ENDING CHILD LABOUR
AND PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE

COCOA PRODUCTION
IN CÔTE D’IVOIRE AND GHANA
FINAL REPORT
June 2021
International An EU funded project Project implemented by

Partnerships managed by the TRANSPORT & INFRASTRUCTURE
EUROPEAN COMMISSION EXPERTISE GROUP
ENDING CHILD LABOUR AND PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE COCOA PRODUCTION
FWC SIEA 2018
Lot 2 Infrastructure, sustainable growth and jobs.
EuropeAid/138778/DH/SER/Multi
Specific Contract Nr 2019/411-610
DISCLAIMER
This report was prepared by Mei Celesta Regina Zegers and Godwin Kojo Ayenor of the Transport & Infrastructure
Expertise Group EZHZ (TiEG) in 2020 for the European Commission.
This report has been prepared with the financial assistance of the European Union. The views expressed herein
are those of the consultants and therefore in no way reflect the official opinion of the European Commission.
Report prepared by: Contractor´s name and address:

ZEGERS, Mei Celesta Regina TRANSPORT & INFRASTRUCTURE
AYENOR, Godwin Kojo EXPERTISE GROUP EZHZ (TiEG)
Mr Michel Doumont, Project Director
Dlhá 38, 900 31 Stupava, Slovak Republic
Tel. +421 (0)903 294 937
Fax: +421 (0)2 64 360 171
E-mail: [email protected]
Ending child labour and promoting sustainable cocoa production in côte d’ivoire and ghana
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This study is the result of the commitment, efforts and contribution of a large number of
individuals and institutions. We are grateful that these stakeholders shared their time and
interest to provide valuable cooperation and inputs for the completion of this study.
We are particularly obliged to:
• The governments of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana

• Staff from the European Commission Directorate-General for International Cooperation and
Development (DG DEVCO), the Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home
Affairs, Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers, and the Directorate General for
Trade
• United Nations organisations including the International Labour Organization, UNICEF, FAO,
and World Bank
• The International Cocoa Initiative
• European Cocoa Association, World Cocoa Foundation, and other cocoa industry networks
and companies
• International and national NGOs, international advocacy organisations, workers’ and
employers’ organisations
• Bilateral agencies including from Belgium, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland and the
United States
Last, but not least, this assignment could not have been successfully completed without very
supportive efforts from the TiEG EEIG team.
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS 4
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS 8
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 14
NOTE DE SYNTHÈSE 30
PART 1 46
Study purpose and context 46
1.1. GLOBAL OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY 49
1.2. METHODOLOGY 50
1.2.1. Research context and approach 50
1.2.2. Data Analysis 52
1.2.3. Study Limitations 54
1.3. CONTEXT AND VALUE CHAIN OVERVIEW 54

1.3.1. Key cocoa stakeholders 54
1.3.2. Country value chains 56
1.3.3. International agreements and definitions 56
1.3.4. Country definitions of child labour, legal and policy frameworks 60
1.4. KEY STAKEHOLDERS AND APPROACHES 63

1.4.1. Overview of reductions in child labour that the governments of Côte d’Ivoire
and Ghana achieved 64
1.4.2. International programs and agencies 67
1.5. SUMMARY COUNTRY OVERVIEW 72

1.5.1. Country overview Côte d’Ivoire 72
1.5.2. Country overview Ghana 77
4
PART 2 82
Root causes of child labour and implementation gaps to be addressed 82
2.1. POVERTY AND RELATED PRODUCTION CHALLENGES 83

2.1.1. Measures to increase incomes through pricing 87
2.1.2. Lack of diversification of income sources 89
2.1.3. Weak Farmer Based Organizations (FBOs) and voice 90
2.1.4. Complexity of poverty as a cause of child labour 91
2.2. GOVERNANCE AND ACCESS TO DECENTRALISED SERVICE PROVISION 92

2.2.1. Limited access to quality formal general education 92
2.2.2. Violence in schools 95
2.2.3. Teachers awareness of child labour 96
2.2.4. School feeding availability 97
2.2.5. Limited Technical Vocational Education and Skills Training 98
2.2.6. Apprenticeship and skills training 100
2.2.7. Examples of existing and planned agriculture youth training initiatives 101
2.2.8. Entrepreneurship and literacy skills 102
2.2.9. Limited access to quality social and agricultural support services 102
2.2.10. Child labour reduction initiatives and child protection 103
2.2.11. Social protection 105
2.2.12. Limited capacities to reduce deforestation and other environmental challenges 107
2.2.13. Lack of sufficient and quality physical infrastructure 109
2.3. COORDINATION TO ELIMINATE CHILD LABOUR 111
2.4. INSUFFICIENT DUE DILIGENCE AND TRACEABILITY 113

2.4.1. Challenges to implementing traceability 114
2.5. SOCIAL INCLUSION CHALLENGES 116

2.5.1. Gender issues 117
2.5.2. Youth issues 118
2.5.3. Trafficking and migrants 119
2.5.4. Persons with disabilities 120
2.5.5. The elderly 121
2.5.6. People Living with and/or Affected by HIV 121
2.6. SOCIO-CULTURAL ATTITUDES, CUSTOMS AND PRACTICES 122
5
PART 3 125
Solutions for child labour systems building in a multi-stakeholder process 125
3.1. POVERTY REDUCTION 127

3.1.1. Cocoa pricing 128
3.1.2. Diversification 130
3.1.3. Agroforestry 130
3.1.4. Strengthening economic empowerment 131
3.1.5. Mechanisms for formalising informal activities 131
3.2. STRENGTHENING CAPACITIES FOR LOCAL DEVELOPMENT

TO ELIMINATE CHILD LABOUR 132
3.2.1. Comprehensive joint approaches 134
3.2.2. Local development planning, local by-laws and enforcement 136
3.2.3. Strengthening of Farmer Based Organisations 138
3.2.4. Community strengthening 139
3.2.5. Child protection systems and child labour withdrawal and
prevention mechanisms 140
3.2.6. Child labour case management in a child protection system 142
3.2.7. Birth registration 143
3.2.8. Social protection 143
3.2.9. Access to quality education 144
3.2.10. Pedagogy and school-based counselling 145
3.2.11. School feeding 146
3.2.12. Education and digital technology 146
3.2.13. TVEST and decent work for older children and youth
(15 through 17 and 18-24) 146
3.2.14. Education and training in cocoa and ancillary activities 147
3.2.15. Occupational Safety and Health and decent work and older children 149
3.2.16. Linking elimination of child labour in cocoa with deforestation 150
3.2.17. Digital technologies and reducing child labour 150
3.3. COORDINATION OF INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL LEVEL SYSTEMS 153

3.3.1. Coordinated national systems building: planning, institutions, policies, laws,
regulations, and implementation 156
3.3.2. Legal and regulatory framework implementation 158
3.3.3. Vertical and horizontal government managed coordination mechanisms 158
3.3.4. Increasing partnerships on cross border agreements: Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana,
Burkina Faso, Mali 160
6
3.4. DUE DILIGENCE: AGREEMENTS AND IMPLEMENTATION 161

3.4.1. Alliance 8.7 and Due Diligence 166
3.4.2. The Transformative Agenda and Results Based Management 166
3.4.3. Data management 168
3.5. SOCIAL INCLUSION 169
3.6. COUNTRY SPECIFIC SOLUTIONS FOR CÔTE D’IVOIRE AND GHANA 171
3.6.1. Côte d’Ivoire 171
3.6.2. Ghana 172
3.7. SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR CHANGE COMMUNICATIONS 173

3.7.1. Messaging development: Stakeholders in the EU, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana 176
3.8. PROPOSED KEY AREAS OF CHANGE 178

3.8.1. European Union support 180
3.8.2. Proposed priority funding areas European Union 180
3.8.3. EU role and responsibilities on supporting due diligence 183
3.8.4. Key implementation partners 183
3.8.5. Funding: Coordinated EU, bilateral, producer government and industry streams 186
3.9. CONCLUDING REMARKS 186
REFERENCES 193
ANNEX 1 – Suggested Road Map of Proposed Solutions 210
ANNEX 2 – Webinar Report 224
ANNEX 3 – Mapping of Components Influencing Child Labour 225
ANNEX 4 – Mapping of Key Child Labour reduction mechanisms 228
ANNEX 5 – Stakeholders’ Entities Interviewed 229
ANNEX 6 – Research Assumptions 233
ANNEX 7 – Template Interview Guidelines 234
7
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
AATIF Africa Agriculture and Trade Investment Fund

ACCEL Accelerating action for the elimination of child labour in supply chains
Africa Project in Africa and Impact Bond in Cote d’Ivoire
ACE Action Against Exploitation
ACERWC African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child
ACHA Action on Children’s Harmful Work in African Agriculture
ACPHA Alliance for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action
ADM Archer Daniels Midland
ARSO African Regional Standardisation Organisation
ARTCI Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications de Côte D’Ivoire
(Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Côte d’Ivoire)
AU African Union
BICE Bureau International Catholique de l’Enfance
BCC Behviour Change Communications
Capacity4Dev Capacity for Development
CAADP Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme
CAOBISCO Association Communautaire des Industries de la Chocolaterie, Biscuiterie
(Association of Chocolate, Biscuits and Confectionery)
CCC Conseil du Café-Cacao
CCSV Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus
CEDEAO Communauté économique des États de l’Afrique de l’Ouest
CEIS Centre for Economic and International Studies
CEN European Committee for Standardization
CGECI Côte d’Ivoire, the Confédération Générale des Entreprises de Côte d’Ivoire
CIM Comité interministériel de lutte contre la traite, l’exploitation et le travail
des enfants (Inter-ministerial Committee to Combat Trafficking, Exploitation
and Child Labour)
CIRAD Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour
le développement
CISL Dignité Confédération Ivoirienne des Syndicats Libres de Côte d’Ivoire
CLCCG Child Labor Cocoa Coordinating Group
CLEAR Child Labour Evidence to Action Collaboration
CLEF Child Learning and Education Facility
CLFZ Child Labour Free Zone
CLMRS Child Labour Monitoring and Remediation System
8
CLMS Child Labour Monitoring System

CLTETE Ministère de la Famille, Cellule de Lutte contre la Traite, l’Exploitation
et Travail des Enfant
CMSCC Communication et la mobilisation sociale
CNM Chambre Nationale de Métiers (National Artisans’ Chamber)
CNS Comité National de Surveillance des Actions de Lutte contre la Traite,
l’Exploitation et le travail des Enfants (National Committee for Monitoring
Actions to Combat Trafficking, Exploitation and Child Labour)
COCOBOD Ghana Cocoa Board
COLEACP Comité de liaison Europe-Afrique-Caraïbes-Pacifique
(Association of stakeholders in EU-ACP horticultural trade)
COPAL Alliance of Cocoa Producing Countries
CPIMS Child Protection Information Management System (CPIMS)
CRC UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
CRIG Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana
CSH Centrale Syndicale Humanisme
CSO Civil Society Organisation
CSSV Cocoa swollen shoot virus
CTA (Technical) Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation
CTDC Counter-Trafficking Data Collaborative
DEVCO European Commission Directorate-General for International Cooperation
and Development
DIB Development Impact Bonds
DISCO Dutch Initiative on Sustainable Cocoa
EACA Education, Audio-visual and Culture Executive Agency
EC European Commission
ECA European Cocoa Association
ECLIC Eliminating Child Labor in Cocoa Growing Communities
ECOCERT ECO certification (Name is not an acronym)
ECOM ECOM - Agroindustrial Corp. Ltd (Name is not acronym)
ECOWAS Economic Community of West African States
EFFAT European Federation of Trade Unions in the Food, Agriculture and Tourism
ELAN Early Learning and Nutrition Facility
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization
FASDEP Food and Agricultural Development Policy
FBK Fund against Child Labour
FBOs Farmer Based Organizations
FCC Federation of Cocoa Commerce
9
FCCI Fine Cacao and Chocolate Institute

FENUJECI Nationale des Unions de Jeunesse Communale de Côte d’Ivoire
(National Union of Communal Youth Unions of Côte d’Ivoire)
FESACI Fédération des Syndicats Autonome de Côte d’Ivoire
FLA Fair Labor Association
FLEGT Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade
FOB Free on Board
FPRW Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work
GAIN Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition
GAWU General Agricultural Workers’ Union of Ghana
GBR Gestion basée sur les résultats
GEPEX Groupement des Exportateurs
GESI Gender Equality and Social Inclusion
GEZCI Global E-Schools and Communities Initiative
GCRN Ghana Community Radio Network
GISCO German Initiative on Sustainable Cocoa
GiZ Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit
(German International Development Agency)
GNI Groupement des Négociants Internationaux
GPS Global Positioning System
HACCP Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point
HIVOS Humanistisch Instituut voor Ontwikkelingssamenwerking,
(Humanist Institute for Cooperation with Developing Countries)
HTMB Human Trafficking Management Board
IABA Integrated Area-Based Approach
IASC Inter-Agency Standing Committee
ICCO International Cocoa Organization
ICFO International Cocoa Farmers Organisation
ICI International Cocoa Initiative
IDH IDH - The Sustainable Trade Initiative (the entity does not provide a meaning
for the individual letters of the acronym)
IFC International Finance Corporation
IFPRI International Food Policy Research Institute
IGA Income Generating Activities
ILAB United States Bureau of International Labor Affairs
ILO International Labour Organization
ILS International Labour Standard
INTRACEN International Trade Centre
10
IOM International Organization for Migration (OIM in French)

IPCCLA International Partnership for Cooperation on Child Labour in Agriculture
IPEC International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (ILO)
IRC International Rescue Committee
ISEAL ISEAL Alliance (global membership association for credible sustainability
standards)
ISO International Organization for Standardization
IUF The International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering,
Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations
KIT Royal Tropical Institute
LARC Local Agriculture Research Committee
LBC Licensed Buying Companies (Ghana)
LID Living Income Differential
MAFAP Monitoring African Food and Agricultural Policies
MASO Next Generation Cocoa Program
MDPI Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
MENETFP Ministère de l’Éducation Nationale, de l’Enseignement Technique et de la
Formation Professionnelle.
MESW Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare
MOCA Mobilizing Community Action and Promoting Opportunities for Youth in
Ghana’s Cocoa-Growing Communities
MODA National Multiple Overlapping Deprivations Analysis
MEPS Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Protection Sociale
MPJEJSC Ministère de la Promotion de la Jeunesse, de l’Emploi des Jeunes et
du Service Civique (Ministry for the Promotion of Youth, Youth Employment
and Civic Service)
MSP Multi-Stakeholder Process
MT Metric ton
NYAB National Youth Advisory Board
NDPC National Development Planning Commission
NGO Non-Profit Organisation
NSCCL National Steering Committee on Child Labour
OECD Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (in French, OCDE,
L’Organisation de coopération et de développement économiques)
ONG Organisations à but non lucratif
OSAA Office of the Special Adviser on Africa
OI-REN Observatoire Ivoirien pour la gestion durable des Ressources Naturelles
(Ivorian Observatory for Sustainable Management of Natural Resources)
OPRP Operational prerequisite programmes
11
OSH Occupational Safety and Health

PBC Produce Buying Company (Ghana)
PFM Public Finance Management
PPP Public Private Partnership
RA Rainforest Alliance
RBM Results Based Management
RVO Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland (Netherlands Enterprise Agency)
SafeWork InFocus Programme on Safety and Health at Work and the Environment (ILO)
SCORE Sustaining Competitive and Responsible Enterprises
SDG Sustainable Development Goal
SECO State Secretariat for Economic Affairs
SMART Specific, measurable, achievable/attributable, achievable/attainable, relevant,
(indicators) timely/timebound/ trackable/targeted.
SBCC Social behaviour change communications
SIB Sustainable Impact Bonds
SME Small and Medium Enterprises
SOSTECI Système d’Observation et de Suivi du Travail des Enfants en Côte d’Ivoire
SPM Système de positionnement mondial
SRH Sexual and reproductive health
SSAFE Safe and Secure Approaches to Field Environments
SSRTE Système de suivi et remédiation du travail des enfants
SST sécurité et de santé au travail
STDF Standards and Trade Development Facility
SVEP Systèmes villageois d’épargne et de prêt
SWISSCO Swiss Platform for Sustainable Cocoa
SWOT Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats
ToR Terms of Reference
TRACIT The Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade
TVET Technical and vocational education and training
TVEST Technical and vocational education and skills training
UGTCI Union Générale des Travailleurs de Côte d’Ivoire
UN United Nations
UNATRCI Union Nationale des Travailleurs de Côte d’Ivoire
UNCCT United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism
UNCTAD United Nations Conference on Trade and Development
UNDP United Nations Development Program
UNEP UN Environment Programme
12
UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund

UNIDO United Nations Industrial Development Organization
USDOL ILAB United States Department of Labor - Bureau of International Labor Affairs
UTZ Certification program for sustainable farming of coffee, tea, cocoa and
hazelnuts
VCA4D Value Chain Analysis for Development
VSLA Village and Loan Association
VSLS Village Savings and Loan Scheme
VPA Voluntary Partnership Agreement
WASH Water, Sanitation and Health
WCF World Cocoa Foundation
13
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
GLOBAL CHALLENGE
OF ENDING CHILD LABOUR
The challenge of ending child labour remains
widespread around the world with 160 million1
children engaged in child labour. Approximately
half (70 million) of these children are engaged in
the agriculture sector, including farming, livestock,
forestry, fishing and aquaculture. Africa is home to
nearly two-thirds of all the child labourers in the
world. More specifically, almost one-fifth of African WORLDWIDE,
children are engaged in child labour, with 85% of
them working in the agriculture sector. Indeed, 70 %
between 2012 and 2016 child labour in agriculture
in Africa actually rose instead of declining.2
OF CHILD LABOUR
The Sustainable Development Goals sets the
OCCURS IN
target of ending child labour in all its forms by THE AGRICULTURE
2025 (SDG target 8.7).
SECTOR
160 million
children are engaged in child labour
79 million
of these children are engaged
in the worst forms of child labour
70%
of child labour occurs in agriculture,
a hazardous sector for working children
Over 87 million
child labourers are found in Sub-Saharan Africa,
more than the rest of the world combined.
Nearly 1 in 4 children in Sub-Saharan
Africa are in child labour, 80% of whom
are in agriculture.
Côte d’Ivoire, © Alamy
1 International Labour Office and United Nations Children’s Fund, Child

Labour: Global estimates 2020, trends and the road forward, ILO and
UNICEF, New York, 2021.
2 Ibid.
14
CHILD LABOR IN COCOA

Chocolate is a global US $130 billion industry,1 Côte d’Ivoire’s economy has grown rapidly over
and just two countries, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, the last few years.5 The GDP growth rate was 7.4 %
account for approximately 60% of total world in 2018 and 6.9 % in 2019.6 Projections for 2020
production. are difficult to make because of the uncertainty
A 2019 study2 indicates that the overall prevalence in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cocoa
of child labour in cocoa producing areas in Côte represents up to 30% of total GDP7, while 70 to
d’Ivoire and Ghana has not substantially decreased 85% of cocoa farmers’ income is dependent on
over the last 10 years. There has been a reduction cocoa.8 Cocoa growing regions are situated in the
in child labour in some localities and, more southern part of the country.
specifically, among households where initiatives Côte d’Ivoire’s population is almost 26 million,
to address child labour have been implemented.3 with children under the age of 15 making up a
However, increased cocoa production and costs of very high proportion (42%).9 A further 21% of the
labour has also led to increases in child labour in population are between the ages of 15 and 24.10
areas that child labour reduction initiatives have The total unemployment rate in the labour force
not yet covered or earlier gains from child labour is 3.4%11, with 35% of young people between the
awareness programmes have not been sustained. ages of 15 and 35 unemployed.12 Approximately
The national legislation and policies of both one half of the population (49.2%) lives in rural
countries have largely been aligned with the areas (2018).13
international conventions on child labour and Education is compulsory for children between
ratified in both countries (Conventions 138 and the ages of 6 and 16 in Côte d’Ivoire. The net
182). Both countries have national action plans enrolment rate is 7.8 % in pre-primary education,
on the elimination of child labour. Ghana is 91.1% in primary school14 and girls have a net
undertaking steps to develop a National Action enrolment rate of 39% and boys 48% in secondary
Plan on Business and Human Rights.4 education.
1 World Economic Forum (2020), Cocoa’s Bittersweet Supply Chain. Available from www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/11/cocoa-chocolate-supply-chain-
business-bar-africa-exports/. Accessed 15/11/2020. Figure was made available for non-commercial use.
2 Often referred to as the “NORC Report” NORC at the University of Chicago (2020), Assessing Progress in Reducing Child Labor in Cocoa Production in
Cocoa Growing Areas of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Chicago: University of Chicago. All data in this paragraph are from the NORC study.
3 Cocoa Plan Nestlé (2017), Tackling Child Labour: 2017 Report, Geneva: Cocoa Plan Nestlé, International Cocoa Initiative (ICI). NORC at the University
of Chicago (2020), Assessment of Effectiveness of Cocoa Industry. Interventions in Reducing Child Labor in Cocoa Growing Areas of Côte d’Ivoire and
Ghana. Chicago: University of Chicago.
4 Faracik, B. (2017), Study: Implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, Brussels: Directorate-General for External
Policies, Policy Department.
5 World Bank (2020) Côte d’Ivoire Economic Outlook: Understanding the Challenges of Urbanization in Height Charts. Available from www.worldbank.org/
en/country/cotedivoire/publication/cote-divoire-economic-outlook-understanding-the-challenges-of-urbanization-in-height-charts, Accessed 20 08 2020.
6 World Bank, World Bank Database. Available from https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG?locations=CI. Accessed 15/08/2020.
7 Capillo, A, Somerville-Large, N (2019), Cocoa Sustainable Livelihoods Landscape Study: Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, London: Fairtrade Foundation.
8 Pluess, J. (November 2018), Children’s Rights in the Cocoa-Growing Communities of Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan: UNICEF Côte d’Ivoire.
9 United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division (2019). World Population Prospects 2019, Volume II: Demographic
Profiles (ST/ESA/SER.A/427). NY: UN.
10 Ibid.
11 World Bank (2020), Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) Côte d’Ivoire. Available from https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS.
Accessed 03/12/2020.
12 World Bank (2020) Côte d’Ivoire Economic Outlook: Understanding the Challenges of Urbanization in Height Charts. Available from www.worldbank.
org/en/country/cotedivoire/overview, Accessed 20 08 2020.
13 World Bank, World Bank database. Available from https://data.worldbank.org/topic/urban-development?locations=CI. Accessed on 23/06/2020.
14 Ibid.
15
Ghana’s economic growth rate was estimated at

6.5% for 2019.1 In Ghana, industry is the largest
1.56 million
sector with 34% of GDP, while cocoa represents children are engaged in child labour in cocoa
1.6% of GDP.2 In Ghana cocoa is mostly grown in in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana,
six regions in the southern half of the country.3
52% of a population of 30 million are under the
790,000
children in Côte d’Ivoire and
age of 18,4 and the rural population is 44%.5
Approximately 23.4% of the population lives below
the poverty line.6 As in Côte d’Ivoire, poverty means 770,000
that farmers often lack the resources to hire adult in Ghana
labour. Cocoa is estimated to account for about
two thirds of the estimated 800,000 Ghanaian
cocoa farmers’ revenue.7 Although poverty has 57% were boys and
declined, income inequality, and geographic and
gender inequality continue to pose problems.8 The 43% were girls
Gini index level measuring inequality is high at
43.5.9 Child labour in cocoa has decreased
in localities where reduction initiatives
have been implemented and increased
ALTHOUGH POVERTY in areas where they have not.
HAS DECLINED,
INCOME INEQUALITY, Direct initiatives have only covered
between 10% and 20%
AND GEOGRAPHIC of cocoa producing communities
AND GENDER INEQUALITY
CONTINUE TO POSE
PROBLEMS
1 World Bank, World Bank Database. Available from https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG?locations=CI. Accessed 15/08/2020.
2 Ghana Statistical Service (2019), Rebased 2013-2018 Annual Gross Domestic Product, Accra: Ghana Statistical Service.
3 Map from Amegashie-Duvon, E. (COCOBOD) (2014), Ghana’s Sustainability Standards, Certification and Director Dialogue: Producers & Industry, Meeting,
Zurich: ICCO (Slide 2).
4 United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Dynamics. (2019), World Population Prospects 2019. Available from https://
population.un.org/wpp/Download/Standard/Population/. Accessed 23/07/2020.
5 Trading Economics (2020). Ghana GDP Annual Growth Rate | 2000-2020 Data | 2021-2022 Forecast | Calendar. Available from https://
tradingeconomics.com/ghana/gdp-growth-annual. Accessed 29/06/2020.
6 Ibid.
7 ICI (2017), Cocoa Farmers in Ghana Experience Poverty and Economic Vulnerability. Available from https://cocoainitiative.org/news-media-
post/cocoa-farmers-in-ghana-experience-poverty-and-economic-vulnerability/#:~:text=800%2C000%20small%20scale%20cocoa%20
farmers,%240.40%2D%240.45%20on%20cocoa. Accessed 15/06/2020.
8 AllAfrica (2019), Ghana: ‘Inequality Remains Challenge in Ghana, Available from https://allafrica.com/stories/201908230575.html. Accessed 15 08
2020. UNDP (2020), Human Development Report 2019: Beyond income, beyond averages, beyond today: Inequalities in human development in the
21st century. NY: UNDP. Tanaka, T., Nuamah, C., Geiger, M. (2018), Ghana’s challenges: Widening regional inequality and natural resource depreciation,
Available from: https://blogs.worldbank.org/africacan/ghanas-challenges-widening-regional-inequality-and-natural-resource-depreciation. Accessed
20/06/2020.
9 UNDP (2020), Human Development Report 2019: Beyond income, beyond averages, beyond today: Inequalities in human development in the 21st
century. NY: UNDP
16
Prevalence of main hazardous child labour OVERALL OBJECTIVES

tasks among children in cocoa producing areas1 .
OF THE STUDY
Côte d’Ivoire
Land clearing
22% • Analyse the root causes of child labour in the

Ghana
cocoa value chain and identify key gaps to be
14%
Average
addressed
19% • Propose solutions to eliminate child labour in
the cocoa value chain and promote responsible
Carrying heavy loads Use of sharp tools
Côte d’Ivoire and sustainable cocoa production in Côte d’Ivoire

31% and Ghana.
Ghana
43%
Average
36%
Côte d’Ivoire
26%
Ghana
32%
Average
29%
Estimated Child Labour Prevalence: Cocoa Growing Areas Indicated in Brown
North
48.4%
296 094
~816 355
31.3% North-West
~2.3 million 50.7% Centre-North North-East
203 535 33.1% 45.2%
166 504 150 522
41.3% West Centre

1 579 122 43.3% Centre-West 32.4% Centre-East
337 352 24% 142 749 29%
189 092 56 317
~1.3 million
South
19% 30.6% Abidjan
794 800 South-West 409 344
30%
226 216
250 577
Estimated Child Labour Prevalence and Cocoa Areas in Côte d’Ivoire

(Adapted from imagebased
Estimates provided
on data by
fromUNICEF in 2020 and used permission)
the MICS (2016) and population
statistics provided by the Institut
1 Table based onNational
results from NORC
de la at the University of Chicago (2020), Assessing Progress in Reducing Child Labor in Cocoa Production in Cocoa
Statistique
Growing Areas of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Chicago: University of Chicago.
17
Map showing the six cocoa growing regions of Ghana
UPPER EAST Bolgatanga

UPPER
WEST REGION
REGION Cocoa growing areas
Wa NORTHERN Country boundary
REGION
Regional boundaries
Tamale
BRONGAHAFO
REGION
Sunyani
ASHANTI
REGION
Ho VOLTA
Kumasi EASTERN REGION
REGION
Koforidua
WESTERN
REGION CENTRAL GT ACCRA
REGION Accra REGION
Cape Coast
Sekondi
Takoradi
METHODOLOGY
• The research objective was achieved through • Interviews were conducted with 137 stake
a detailed analysis of the root causes of child holders from 100 entities. Interviewees
labour, and a triangulated analysis of mainly included informants from the cocoa industry,
virtual interviews with key stakeholders, key government officials, representatives of
documentation and web-based information. A European Union institutions and delegations,
stakeholder mapping exercise was conducted to the United Nations, foundations and Non-
identify participants in the cocoa value chain and Profit Organisations (NGOs), and workers’ and
influencing entities from within the overall context. employers’ organisations. A mapping exercise
This was followed with an interactive analysis of involving more than 150 key stakeholders was
the expected impact of the proposed solutions conducted. More than 600 documents and
on child labour elimination and sustainable cocoa 200 websites were analysed using the qualitative
production, where stakeholders had opportunities data software Atlas.ti.1
to comment on preliminary findings in a well-
attended international webinar on the study.
1 Atlasti.com
18
MAIN FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS
Despite much effort, ending child labour and promoting sustainable

cocoa production have proven to be more complex than anticipated.
The reasons for child labour are multifaceted and there are several
explanations for the partial effects of child labour initiatives. The key
findings can be summed up as:
Efforts to eliminate child labour are not sufficiently and structurally

1 embedded within a functioning institutional support system.
2 A wider systems based approach is needed.
3 Poverty reduction, education, youth focus, gender and deforestation

need greater attention.
Continuing more of the same, or even improving it somewhat, will not

be sufficient. Existing efforts have had some local impact in targeted
communities but this is not sufficient for wide and sustainable impact.
There is a need for especially high level of collaboration among
implementers at the decentralised (local level) and a need to improve
overall institutional structure and collaboration
Ghana, © International Cocoa Initiative.
19
KEY STAKEHOLDERS
AND EXISTING APPROACHES
Stakeholders
Government ministries
International
Communities & National and agencies as
Industry - Value Chain Development
Civil Society applicable (national
Partners
and decentralised)
Children Government Cocoa Cocoa Producers European Union

Agency
Families Local Traders United Nations
Conseil du Café Cacao Agencies
(CCC, Côte d’ivoire)
Cocoa Producers Transporters
ILO
Ghana Cocoa Board
Local Leaders (COCOBOD) Input Providers
UNICEF
Community Based Economic Development Financial
Organizations/National FAO
Civil Society
Labour Material
UNDP (Governance)
Workers’ & Employers’
Organisations Child Labour Exporters
Coordination Office Others
Cooperatives International Buyers
Education UNEP (Environment)
Importers to EU &
Farmers’ Associations others Bi-lateral Agencies
Educators, Formal
Community-Based Cocoa, Chocolate &
Planning Confectionary Companies Netherlands
Groups
Savings & Credit Industry/Commerce/ Semi-finished cocoa Germany
Groups Trade products (liquors,
butter, powder) France
Agriculture
Non-governmental and
private service providers Industrial chocolate
Switzerland
Gender (Couverture)
Non-Formal and UK (DFID)
Social Welfare Final chocolate
informal Educators
products
Health Workers Social & Child US (USDOL)
Protection Workers Chocolate Wholesalers
Financing Providers Japan
Health Retailers
Formal Others
Justice Consumers
International and
Informal Industry Networks, NGOs,
Interior Foundations, Associations
Security Providers International Financial
Institutions
Forestry and
Environmental African Development
Sustainability Bank
Rural Development World Bank
Finance
20
Programmes directed at eliminating child labour Evaluations of past projects on child labour in
in cocoa are mostly implemented through cocoa and other agricultural projects indicate
governments, foundations and networks. The that the sustainability of these initiatives is not
governments of the cocoa producing countries as strong as may be desired. 2 The extent to
finance national and local legal and policy which community children remain out of child
framework planning, social services development labour will remain unclear unless all actions are
and infrastructure that have an impact on child intensified and better coordinated. Poverty, the
labour. The cocoa industry, and multilateral lack of social services, the urgent need for more
and bilateral agencies fund most of the direct physical infrastructure, such as roads, schools,
community level initiatives. health centres and child protection service offices,
At community level, the efforts of various continue to be limiting factors.
intervention projects and fair-trade initiatives have
had some results. Awareness raising for behaviour
change concerning the risks of child labour for
children’s development and limited economic
development has been conducted. Communities
have been supported with school supplies,
adult literacy initiatives for parents, income
diversification activities, voluntary savings and
credit schemes, community actions against child
labour and other schemes. Some interventions
have also provided support with infrastructure,
such as the building of classrooms.
Stakeholders interviewed estimated that the
existing programmes cover only between 10
and 20% of cocoa producing households in
the two countries1. Most company stakeholder
interviewees stressed that the eventual goal
of the programmes is to ensure that all cocoa
communities’ supply chains are covered by child
labour elimination programmes.
1 Also as indicated in ICI (2020), ICI Strategy 2021-2026, Geneva: ICI.

2 As noted in a range of evaluations studies, including those that the Team Leader of this study conducted and interviews with specialists during the
study. The evaluations are too numerous to all be cited here but are available from the ILO, ICI, and the United States Department of Labor.
21
KEY CHALLENGES
1. Poverty of cocoa farmer households

• There are low farm gate prices for cocoa beans, though gap analysis
indicates that increasing prices alone will not solve the challenges to
eliminating child labour. There are low farm yields per hectare due to ageing
trees, infertile soil and outdated production methods. Farmers encroach on
forest land to increase yields adding to environmental destruction. There are
a lack of diversified incomes from sources other than cocoa to supplement
incomes and farmers are often required to pay for public services, such as
children’s school materials and supplies, examinations, specific types of
health care and other costs.30
2. Weak institutional environments

• Child labour programmes have been implemented within low technical and
logistical capacity environments. There has been limited mainstreaming of
child labour into relevant policies and programmes. This is true at all levels,
but especially at the local, decentralised level.
3. Weak enforcement of legal and regulatory frameworks

• Enforcement to protect children from labour exploitation, other forms of
exploitation, abuse, and neglect is limited. There is a failure to recognise
the intertwined nature of child labour with other forms of abuse, neglect
and exploitation.
4. Lack of access to quality child protection services

• There is a need to scale up birth registration, government-managed
identification and remediation of cases of child labour and other forms
of exploitation, abuse and neglect. Due diligence mechanisms and child
protection mechanisms, each contributing to the other, need to be further
scaled up and integrated.
5. Lack of access to quality education

• Including general formal and technical vocational education and training.
6. Lack of decent work opportunities and Technical Vocational

Education and Skills Training for older children/youth
• Particularly in agriculture and ancillary activities, where young people can
contribute to development in safe working conditions.
NORC at the University of Chicago (2020), Assessing Progress in Reducing Child Labor in Cocoa Production in Cocoa Growing Areas
30
of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Chicago: University of Chicago.

22
7. Limited access to targeted social protection, health and other

social services
• Services are unavailable, need better targeting, especially in far away and
difficult to access in areas at high risk of child labour in cocoa production.
8. Lack of sufficient and quality physical infrastructure

• Insufficient and low-quality roads, bridges, schools, water-sanitation-hygiene
structures affect poverty and, therefore, child labour. The result is disinterest
and/or reluctance for children to attend schools and of the parents to send them.
9. Internal and cross-border migration and trafficking

• Child labourers are trafficked due to poverty in Burkina Faso and Mali and
other areas within Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Compared to child labour through
trafficking, there is much higher reliance on own-family child labour in cocoa
producing areas.
10. Weak farmer-based organisations

• Insufficient numbers and limited effectiveness of farmer-based organisations
(including cooperatives).
11. Deforestation
• Deforestation and other environmental challenges are associated with poverty
and the need to increase production with links to child labour.
12. Limited coverage of due diligence mechanisms

• Due diligence coverage in cocoa producing communities with child labour
reduction mechanisms is between 10 and 20% of cocoa producing areas.
There is, therefore, limited identification, remediation and monitoring of child
labour, including through international/industry development partners and
producer governments.
13. Limited attention to social inclusion

• Limited attention is paid to gender and inclusion of other types of especially
vulnerable persons in child labour programmes and their implementation.
14. Socio-cultural attitudes, customs and practices

• Socio-cultural attitudes, customs and practices combined with poverty result
in a reliance on child labour as a fall-back option instead of hiring adult labour.
23
PROPOSED INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS

OVERARCHING
Multi-stakeholder process platforms established and functioning at
1 all levels to eliminate child labour and ensure that cocoa is produced
sustainably.
• Develop a multi-stakeholder process through a transformative agenda
at international (such as, the EU Sustainable Cocoa Initiative), national
(participation and mediation in Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) Children First
in Cocoa Framework) and local (decentralised level with focus on leadership,
coordination and accountability).
• Implement at each level, from national to local, mechanisms for vertical and
horizontal communications, joint planning and coordinated implementation
of synergistic actions.
• Develop plans to address all of the root causes and gaps to eliminate child
labour.
• Develop landscape integrated area-based approaches at decentralised level.
Systems approach adopted with continual improvement of initiatives
2 based on consistent feedback from quantitative and qualitative
data collected on child labour elimination initiatives and child labour
prevalence.
• Develop a systems approach guide detailing methods to enable collective
stakeholder learning and regular review of potential actions for change.
• Implement methods for vertical and horizontal quantitative and qualitative
data collection. Integrate collected feedback into planning channels from
international and national to community level, the reverse and horizontally at
each level.
Operationalised result-based management system (RBMS) developed
3 and implemented, building on and expanding due diligence accountability
systems of all stakeholders
• Develop a methodology guide for RBMS to be used to measure contributions to
tracking of progress on objectives, reviews company due diligence, traceability
methods and regularly reports on interventions and integrates into government
systems.
• Develop clear targets for implementation phases as progress is made and
implement the RBMS system to assure accountability.
• Develop legal penalties for non-compliance to ensure genuine impact and
define standards accepted as evidence of compliance.
24 24
Ending child labour and promoting sustainable cocoa production in côte d’ivoire and ghanaa
SPECIFIC
Partnerships and initiatives of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana Governments
4 and corporate actors aligned with international conventions, standards,
guidelines, national policies and plans
• Improve and/or strengthen existing partnerships and cross-border agreements
among the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) - Côte d’Ivoire,
Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Mali.
• Scale up agreements and implementation of initiatives for the identification,
return and reintegration of trafficked children to return home to Burkina Faso
and Mali.
• Align corporate practices, trade and implementation of initiatives with national
priorities and overarching labour conventions, and with international business
and human rights guidance documents.
• Ensure that child labour elimination is directly cited and fully integrated into
all economic development policies and plans, especially in agriculture-related
economic activities or investments. Including in the design and monitoring of
the plans.
25
Strengthened enabling environment for reduced child labour and

5 deforestation with particular attention to local development planning
and implementation, and localities at high-risk.
• Strengthen the legal, regulatory frameworks and institutions, and ensure
improved enforcement to eliminate child labour.
• Develop the expansion of well targeted social protection mechanisms to help
protect from environmental, health, social and other shocks (which lead to higher
dependence on child labour).
• Develop (new) or adapt existing local development plans to be more comprehensive,
integrated, strengthened and synergistic with regard to child labour in child protection
systems.
• Integrate and maintain, over the short, medium, and long term, Child Labour
Monitoring and Remediation System (CLMRS) and other child labour initiative
approaches into Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana Government child protection mechanisms,
while at the same time expanding coverage of such initiatives and child protection
overall.
• Conduct capacity analysis to identify the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities of
each actor regarding local development planning and implementation for eliminating
child labour. Include focus on social workers, labour inspectors/officers, agricultural
extension officers, school inspectors, health workers, teachers, police/gendarmerie,
community field workers, etc. Conduct capacity analysis to identify the strengths,
weaknesses and opportunities of each stakeholder.
• Develop and/or strengthen service delivery capacities of key institutions for local
development planning, implementation and enforcement of legal frameworks
(districts, prefecture/sous prefectures, communities) with particular attention paid to
social inclusion of especially vulnerable groups and high-risk areas.
• There should be a strong focus on joint actions between industry and donor-
supported programmes with local government staff for on-the-job learning and
implementation of actions on child labour and deforestation. This includes identification
and remediation of child labourers or potential child labourers.
• Increase construction of physical infrastructure with an emphasis on roads,
accessible schools, health, child protection infrastructure and/or one-stop referral
locations for children in, or at risk of child labour and/or other exploitation, abuse and
neglect.
• Improve quality and access to general education, including well-planned school
feeding programmes and education on children’s rights and decent work in agriculture.
• Strengthen the provision of child protection services, including access to birth
registration, and the provision of support to children suffering from abuse, neglect
and other forms of exploitation.
26
Poverty of cocoa producers and ancillary activity workers reduced in a

6 context of improved decent work conditions within an environmentally
sustainable environment
• Continue and scale up efforts to ensure that price and income from cocoa at the
farm gate continues to increase.
• Develop and implement modern, non-hazardous production using sustainable
intensification of cocoa production methods to increase agricultural yields per hectare
without adverse environmental impact and without the need to convert additional,
non-agricultural land.
• Train farmer household children (in line with their interests) and adults from the age
of 15 on modern cocoa production, including a focus on occupational safety
and health (OSH) methods in agriculture.
• Further develop Global Positioning System (GPS) and other forms of farm monitoring
tools to identify and follow up transgression into new forest areas.
• Accompany promoting the diversification of economic activities with suitable
market assessment and training.
• Develop agroforestry as means of contributing to short-term food security needs
and, over the medium- or longer-term, as an income source in both countries.
• Provide support for expanding village savings and loan schemes (VSLS) and
access to formal financial services.
• Develop effective mechanisms to further support formalising informal cocoa
activities and informal activities promoted as part of diversification efforts.
Increased and strengthened farmer-based organisations and giving
7 communities a voice for effective functioning and contributing to reducing
child labour
• Establish, where necessary, strengthen and scale up new and existing FBOs to increase
productivity and decent work for all and environmentally sustainable conditions.
• Strengthen community bodies to address child labour, integrate actions effectively
into child protection systems and ensure sustainable cocoa production.
Social behaviour change communications on child labour elimination and
8 deforestation strengthened and effective
• Develop and implement a good social behaviour change communications (SBCC)
strategy guide to inform the behaviour change interventions, based on existing
effective practices.
27
ADDITIONAL COUNTRY-SPECIFIC PROPOSALS

9 Côte d’Ivoire
• Ensure that there are functioning mechanisms for birth registration of children
of multigenerational immigrants and children of unknown parents or others who
would otherwise be stateless and that children obtain birth certificates.
• Strengthen the management of cooperatives to address child labour.
10 Ghana
• Identify and implement institutional reforms in the Ghana Cocoa Board, including
at the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) for improved service delivery.
• Analyse how illegal mining is related to, and influences child labour in cocoa
production; identify solutions and implement them.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO KEY STAKEHOLDERS

1 Governments of cocoa producer countries
• T he key actors for the elimination of child labour and deforestation remain the
governments and the people of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Full consideration
should be given to their views on their own roles and responsibilities and those
of other actors. The governments of these two countries carry the ultimate
responsibility for the well-being of the children and adults who are working in
the cocoa value chain.
2 Cocoa private sector

• It is important for small, medium and large cocoa private sector enterprises
to join together to work towards eliminating child labour and deforestation.
Actions to address these challenges should not be limited to large companies but
must include small and medium enterprises. Many of the smaller and medium
enterprises, but also some of the larger ones, are not currently engaged in due
diligence.
• T he private sector should focus strongly on scaling up current and planned
initiatives. These include the CLMRS and the subjects identified in the Public-
Private-Partnership (PPP) Children First in Cocoa framework; for example, the
Child Learning and Education Facility (CLEF), Early Learning and Nutrition Facility
(ELAN), school nutrition, birth registration and education, including Technical and
Vocational Education and Skills Training (TVEST). In addition to continuing the
development and scaling up of the PPP in Côte d’Ivoire, the full development
of the PPP should be further supported in Ghana.
28
• During the initial stage (1-2 years), all companies should be required to develop
their systems to accommodate voluntary and mandatory due diligence
agreements and implement such systems if they do not yet have them in place.
Small and medium enterprises (SME) active in the value chain should be formally
required to adhere to mandatory due diligence. This includes national as well as
international SMEs. It also includes large companies that do not currently carry
out due diligence in their cocoa value chains.
• During the initial period, the most crucial actions and their integration need to
be addressed. Over the short-term, special attention should be placed on capacity
strengthening, poverty reduction, production modernisation, birth registration,
improvement of access to quality education and other social services. School
feeding should be an integral component of all education actions.
Fair trade organisations, advocacy networks, standard setting organisa-
3 tions and implementing agencies
• All have key roles to play in ensuring appropriate implementation of due diligence.
This is especially true at farm level so that child labour is not hidden but objectively
identified, audited and addressed.
4 International organisations
• Will implement their mandate to support the governments of Côte d’Ivoire and
Ghana to implement policies and strategies that are relevant to child labour
elimination and sustainable cocoa production.
29
NOTE DE SYNTHÈSE
LE DÉFI MONDIAL CONSISTANT
À METTRE FIN AU TRAVAIL
DES ENFANTS
Le défi consistant à mettre fin au travail des
enfants reste très répandu dans le monde, alors
que 160 millions d’enfants1 sont astreints au DANS LE MONDE,
70 %
travail. Environ la moitié (70 millions) de ces
enfants sont engagés dans le secteur agricole,
notamment l’agriculture, l’élevage, la sylviculture,
la pêche et l’aquaculture. Entre 2012 et 2020, le
DU TRAVAIL
travail des enfants dans l’agriculture en Afrique a DES ENFANTS
en réalité augmenté au lieu de diminuer2.
SURVIENT DANS
Les objectifs de développement durable entendent
mettre fin au travail des enfants sous toutes ses LE SECTEUR DE
formes d’ici 2025 (cible 8.7 des ODD). L’AGRICULTURE
160 millions
d’enfants sont astreints au travail
79 millions
de ces enfants sont astreints
aux pires formes de travail
70%
du travail des enfants concerne l’agriculture,
un secteur dangereux pour les enfants
qui y travaillent
Plus de 87 millions
d’enfants au travail se trouvent en Afrique
subsaharienne, soit plus que dans
tout le reste du monde.
Près de 1 enfant sur 4 en Afrique
subsaharienne est astreint au travail,
Côte d’Ivoire, © Alamy
dont 80 % dans l’agriculture
1 Bureau international du travail et Fonds des Nations unies pour

l’enfance, Travail des enfants: Estimations mondiales 2020,
tendances et le chemin à suivre, BIT et UNICEF, New York, 2021.
2 Ibid.
30
LE TRAVAIL DES ENFANTS

DANS LA PRODUCTION DE CACAO
EN CÔTE D’IVOIRE ET AU GHANA
Le chocolat est une industrie mondiale qui pèse (Conventions 138 et 182). Les deux pays disposent
130 milliards de dollars US,1 et deux pays seule- de plans d’action nationaux pour éradiquer le
ment, la Côte d’Ivoire et le Ghana, représentent travail des enfants. Le Ghana entreprend des
environ 60 % de la production mondiale totale. démarches pour élaborer un plan d’action national
Une étude réalisée en 20192 indique que la sur les entreprises et les droits de l’homme.4
prévalence globale du travail des enfants dans L’économie de la Côte d’Ivoire a connu une
les zones de production de cacao en Côte d’Ivoire croissance rapide au cours des dernières années.5
et au Ghana n’a pas sensiblement diminué au Le taux de croissance du PIB était de 7,4 % en
cours des 10 dernières années. On observe une 2018 et de 6,9 % en 2019.6 Il est difficile de
réduction du travail des enfants dans certaines faire des projections pour 2020 en raison de
localités et, plus spécifiquement, parmi les l’incertitude qui règne à la suite de la pandémie
ménages où des initiatives visant à lutter contre de COVID-19. Le cacao représente jusqu’à 30 %
le travail des enfants ont été mises en œuvre.3 du PIB total7, tandis que 70 à 85 % des revenus
Cependant, l’augmentation de la production de des cultivateurs de cacao dépendent du cacao.8
cacao et du coût de la main-d’œuvre a également Les régions productrices de cacao sont situées
entraîné une augmentation du travail des enfants dans la partie sud du pays.
dans des zones que les initiatives de réduction du
travail des enfants n’ont pas encore couvertes ou La population de la Côte d’Ivoire s’élève à près
dans lesquelles les acquis des programmes de de 26 millions d’habitants, les enfants de moins
sensibilisation au travail des enfants n’ont pas été de 15 ans représentant une très forte proportion
maintenus. (42 %).9 Par ailleurs, 21 % de la population est
âgée de 15 à 24 ans.10 Le taux de chômage total
La législation et les politiques nationales des au sein de la population active est de 3,4 %11, dont
deux pays ont été en grande partie alignées 35 % de jeunes âgés de 15 à 35 ans.12 Près de
sur les conventions internationales relatives au la moitié de la population (49,2 %) vit dans des
travail des enfants et ratifiées dans les deux pays zones rurales (2018).13
1 Forum économique mondial (2020), Cocoa’s Bittersweet Supply Chain. Disponible sur www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/11/cocoa-chocolate-supply-
chain-business-bar-africa-exports/. Consulté le 15/11/2020. Données mises à disposition pour un usage non commercial.
2 Souvent appelé le «Rapport NORC» de NORC à l’Université de Chicago (2020), Évaluation des progrès accomplis dans la réduction du travail des
enfants dans les régions productrices de cacao de Côte d’Ivoire et du Ghana. Chicago: Université de Chicago. Toutes les données figurant dans ce
paragraphe sont issues de l’étude NORC.
3 Plan Cacao Nestlé (2017), Lutter contre le travail des enfants: Rapport 2017, Genève: Plan Cacao Nestlé, International Cocoa Initiative (ICI). NORC à
l’Université de Chicago (2020), Assessment of Effectiveness of Cocoa Industry. Interventions in Reducing Child Labor in Cocoa Growing Areas of Côte
d’Ivoire and Ghana. Chicago: Université de Chicago.
4 Faracik, B. (2017), Étude: Mise en œuvre des principes directeurs des Nations unies relatifs aux entreprises et aux droits de l’homme, Bruxelles:
Direction générale des politiques externes, département thématique.
5 Banque mondiale (2020) Perspectives économiques en Côte d’Ivoire: Huit graphiques pour comprendre les enjeux de l’urbanisation. Disponible sur
www.worldbank.org/fr/country/cotedivoire/publication/cote-divoire-economic-outlook-understanding-the-challenges-of-urbanization-in-height-charts,
Consulté le 20 08 2020.
6 Banque mondiale, Base de données de la Banque mondiale. Disponible sur https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG?locations=CI.
Consulté le 15/08/2020.
7 Capillo, A, Somerville-Large, N (2019), Cocoa Sustainable Livelihoods Landscape Study: Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, Londres: Fairtrade Foundation.
8 Pluess, J. (novembre 2018), Les droits de l’enfant dans les zones cacaoyères de Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan: UNICEF Côte d’Ivoire.
9 Nations unies, Département des affaires économiques et sociales, Division de la population (2019). Perspectives de la population mondiale 2019,
Volume II: Profils démographiques (ST/ESA/SER.A/427). NY: ONU.
10 Ibid.
11 Banque mondiale (2020), Chômage, total (% de la population active totale) Côte d’Ivoire. Disponible sur https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/
SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS. Consulté le 03/12/2020.
12 Banque mondiale (2020) Perspectives économiques en Côte d’Ivoire: Huit graphiques pour comprendre les enjeux de l’urbanisation. Disponible sur
www.worldbank.org/fr/country/cotedivoire/overview, Consulté le 20 08 2020.
13 Banque mondiale, Base de données de la Banque mondiale. Disponible sur https://data.worldbank.org/topic/urban-development?locations=CI.
31
L’éducation est obligatoire pour les enfants âgés

de 6 à 16 ans en Côte d’Ivoire. Le taux net de 1,56 million
scolarisation est de 7,8 % dans le pré-primaire, d’enfants sont astreints au travail
91,1 % dans le primaire1; dans le secondaire, le dans le secteur du cacao
taux net de scolarisation des filles est de 39 % et en Côte d’Ivoire et au Ghana,
celui des garçons de 48 %.
Le taux de croissance économique du Ghana a 790.000
été estimé à 6,5 % pour 2019.2 L’industrie est le de ces enfants en Côte d’Ivoire et
secteur le plus important au Ghana avec 34 %
du PIB, tandis que le cacao représente 1,6 % du 770.000
PIB.3 Au Ghana, le cacao est principalement cultivé au Ghana
dans six régions de la moitié sud du pays.4
Sur une population de 30 millions d’habitants,
52 % ont moins de 18 ans5, et la population rurale 57% sont des garçons et
représente 44 %.6 Environ 23,4 % de la population
vit sous le seuil de pauvreté.7 Comme en Côte 43% sont des filles
d’Ivoire, la pauvreté implique que les agriculteurs
n’ont souvent pas les ressources nécessaires Le travail des enfants dans le cacao a diminué
pour embaucher une main-d’œuvre adulte. On dans les localités où des initiatives de réduction
estime que le cacao représente environ deux tiers ont été mises en œuvre et a augmenté
des revenus des quelque 800 000 cultivateurs dans les zones où elles ne l’ont pas été.
de cacao ghanéens.8 Bien que la pauvreté ait
diminué, l’inégalité des revenus et les inégalités
géographiques et entre les genres continuent Les initiatives directes n’ont couvert
de poser problème.9 Le niveau de l’indice de Gini qu’entre 10 % et 20 % des communautés
mesurant l’inégalité est élevé: 43,5.10 productrices de cacao
1 Ibid.
2 Banque mondiale, Base de données de la Banque mondiale. Disponible sur https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG?locations=CI.
3 Ghana Statistical Service (2019), Rebased 2013-2018 Annual Gross Domestic Product, Accra: Ghana Statistical Service.
4 Carte de Amegashie-Duvon, E. (COCOBOD) (2014), Ghana’s Sustainability Standards, Certification and Director Dialogue: Producers & Industry,
Réunion, Zurich: ICCO (diapositive 2).
5 Nations unies, Département des affaires économiques et sociales, Dynamique de la population. (2019), Perspectives de la population mondiale
2019. Disponible sur https://population.un.org/wpp/Download/Standard/Population/. Consulté le 23/07/2020.
6 Trading Economics (2020). Taux de croissance annuel du PIB du Ghana | Données 2000-2020 | Prévisions 2021-2022 | Calendrier. Disponible sur
https://tradingeconomics.com/ghana/gdp-growth-annual. Consulté le 29/06/2020.
7 Ibid.
8 ICI (2017), Les producteurs de cacao au Ghana vivent dans la pauvreté et la vulnérabilité économique. Disponible sur https://cocoainitiative.org/fr/
news-media-post/cocoa-farmers-in-ghana-experience-poverty-and-economic-vulnerability/. Consulté le 15/06/2020.
9 AllAfrica (2019), Ghana: «Inequality Remains Challenge in Ghana», Disponible sur https://allafrica.com/stories/201908230575.html. Consulté le
15/08/2020. PNUD (2020), Rapport sur le développement humain 2019: Au-delà des revenus, des moyennes et du temps présent: les inégalités de
développement humain au XXIe siècle. NY: PNUD. Tanaka, T., Nuamah, C., Geiger, M. (2018), Ghana’s challenges: Widening regional inequality and
natural resource depreciation, Disponible sur: https://blogs.worldbank.org/africacan/ghanas-challenges-widening-regional-inequality-and-natural-
resource-depreciation. Consulté le 20/06/2020.
10 PNUD (2020), Rapport sur le développement humain 2019: Au-delà des revenus, des moyennes et du temps présent: les inégalités de
développement humain au XXIe siècle. NY: PNUD
32
Prévalence des principales tâches dangereuses LES OBJECTIFS GÉNÉRAUX

inhérentes au travail des enfants dans les zones
de production de cacao.1 . DE L’ÉTUDE:
Côte d’Ivoire • Analyser les causes profondes du travail des
Défrichement
22% enfants dans la chaîne de valeur du cacao et

Ghana
identifier les principales lacunes à corriger
14%
Moyenne • Proposer des solutions pour éradiquer le travail
19%
des enfants dans la chaîne de valeur du cacao et
promouvoir une production de cacao responsable
Utilisation d’outils
Côte d’Ivoire et durable en Côte d’Ivoire et au Ghana.

31%
tranchants
Ghana
43%
Moyenne
36%
Côte d’Ivoire
lourdes charges
Transport de
26%
Ghana
32%
Moyenne
29%
Estimation de la prévalence du travail des enfants :

Zones de culture du cacao
indiquées en brun
Nord
48,4%
296 094
~816 355
31,3% Nord-Ouest
~2,3 millions 50,7% Centre-Nord Nord-Est
203 535 33,1% 45,2%
166 504 150 522
41,3% Ouest Centre

1 579 122 43,3% Centre-Ouest 32,4% Centre-Est
337 352 24% 142 749 29%
189 092 56 317
~1,3 million
Sud
19% 30,6% Abidjan
794 800 Sud-ouest 409 344
30%
226 216
250 577
Estimation de la prévalence du travail des enfants et des zones cacaoyères en Côte d’Ivoire
(Adapté d’une image fournie par l’UNICEF en 2020 et utilisée avec autorisation)
Estimates based on data from
1 Tableau basé sur les résultats
statistics de NORC
provided à l’Université
by the Institut de Chicago (2020), Évaluation des progrès accomplis dans la réduction du travail des
enfants dans les régions productrices de cacao de Côte d’Ivoire et du Ghana. Chicago: Université de Chicago.
National de la Statistique
33
Carte montrant les six régions cacaoyères du Ghana
RÉGION DU Bolgatanga
RÉGION DU HAUTGHANA
HAUTGHANA ORIENTAL
OCCIDENTAL Zones de culture
du cacao
Wa
RÉGION
DU NORD
Frontières du pays
Limites régionales
Tamale
RÉGION
BRONGAHAFO
Sunyani
RÉGION
ASHANTI RÉGION
Ho DE LA VOLTA
Kumasi
RÉGION
ORIENTALE
Koforidua
RÉGION
OCCIDENTALE REGION RÉGION
CENTRALE Accra DU GRAND ACCRA
Cape Coast
Sekondi
Takoradi
MÉTHODOLOGIE
• L’objectif de la recherche a été atteint par • Des entretiens ont été menés avec 137 parties
le biais d’une analyse détaillée des causes prenantes de 100 entités. Les personnes
profondes du travail des enfants et d’une interrogées étaient notamment des informateurs
analyse triangulée d’entretiens principalement de l’industrie cacaoyère, des responsables
virtuels avec les principales parties prenantes, de gouvernementaux clés, des représentants
documentation et d’informations sur Internet. Un des institutions et des délégations de l’Union
exercice de recensement des parties prenantes européenne, les Nations unies, des fondations
a été effectué pour identifier les participants et des organisations à but non lucratif
à la chaîne de valeur du cacao et les entités (ONG), et des organisations de travailleurs et
influentes dans le contexte global. Cet exercice d’employeurs. Un exercice de recensement
a été suivi d’une analyse interactive de l’impact impliquant plus de 150 acteurs clés a été réalisé.
attendu des solutions proposées sur l’éradication Plus de 600 documents et 200 sites web ont
du travail des enfants et la production durable de été analysés à l’aide du logiciel de données
cacao, au cours de laquelle les parties prenantes qualitatives Atlas.ti.1
ont eu l’occasion de commenter les résultats
préliminaires lors d’un webinaire international
très suivi sur l’étude.
1 Atlasti.com/fr/
34
LES PRINCIPAUX RÉSULTATS

ET CONCLUSIONS
Malgré de nombreux efforts, l’éradication du travail des enfants et la
promotion d’une production cacaoyère durable se sont avérées plus
complexes que prévu.
Les raisons justifiant le travail des enfants sont multiples, et les effets
partiels des initiatives en la matière s’expliquent par plusieurs facteurs.
Les principales conclusions peuvent être résumées comme suit:
Les efforts visant à éradiquer le travail des enfants ne sont pas

1 suffisamment et structurellement intégrés dans un système de soutien
institutionnel opérationnel.
2 Une approche systémique plus large est indispensable.
La réduction de la pauvreté, l’éducation, l’attention portée aux jeunes,

3 le genre et la déforestation requièrent une plus grande attention.
Maintenir le statu quo, ou même améliorer quelque peu la situation,

ne sera pas suffisant. Les efforts actuels ont eu un certain impact
local dans les communautés ciblées, mais ne sont pas suffisants pour
produire un effet large et durable. Il est impératif d’instaurer un niveau
de collaboration particulièrement élevé entre les responsables de la mise
en œuvre au niveau décentralisé (niveau local) et d’améliorer la structure
institutionnelle globale et la collaboration.
Ghana, © International Cocoa Initiative.
35
PRINCIPALES PARTIES PRENANTES

ET APPROCHES EN VIGUEUR
Parties prenantes
Ministères et agences
Partenaires
Communautés et société gouvernementales, Industrie
internationaux de
civile nationale selon le cas (nationaux Chaîne de valeur
développement
et décentralisés)
Enfants Agence gouvernementale Producteurs de cacao Union européenne

du cacao
Familles Négociants locaux Agences des
Conseil du Café Cacao Nations unies
Producteurs de cacao Transporteurs
BIT
Office ghanéen du
Dirigeants locaux cacao (COCOBOD) Fournisseurs d’intrants
UNICEF
Organisations Développement Financier
communautaires/société économique FAO
civile nationale
Matériel
Travail PNUD (Gouvernance)
Organisations de travail-
leurs et d’employeurs Bureau de Exportateurs
Autres
coordination du travail
Coopératives des enfants Acheteurs internationaux
PNUE (Environnement)
Éducation Importateurs vers l’UE
Associations et autres Agences bilatérales
d’agriculteurs
Éducateurs, Formels Sociétés de cacao,
Groupes chocolat et confiseries Pays-Bas
communautaires Planification
Produits semi-finis à Allemagne
Groupes d’épargne base de cacao (liqueurs,
et de crédit Industrie/Commerce beurre, poudre) France
Prestataires de services Agriculture Chocolat industriel

Suisse
non gouvernementaux (Couverture)
et privés Genre
Produits chocolatés Royaume-Uni (DFID)
Éducateurs non finis
Protection sociale États-Unis (USDOL)
formels et informels
Grossistes en chocolat
Travailleurs sociaux
Travailleurs de la santé Japon
et de la protection
Détaillants
de l’enfance
Prestataires de Autres
financement Santé Consommateurs
Réseaux internationaux
Formel et industriels, ONG,
Justice fondations, associations
Informel Intérieur Institutions financières
internationales
Fournisseurs
de sécurité Banque africaine
de développement
Sylviculture et durabilité
de l’environnement Banque mondiale
Développement rural
Finance
36
Les programmes visant à éradiquer le travail Les évaluations des projets antérieurs sur le travail
des enfants dans la production de cacao des enfants dans le secteur du cacao et d’autres
sont principalement mis en œuvre par les projets agricoles révèlent que la durabilité de ces
gouvernements, les fondations et les réseaux. Les initiatives n’est pas aussi solide qu’on pourrait le
gouvernements des pays producteurs de cacao souhaiter.2 La mesure dans laquelle les enfants
financent la planification des cadres juridiques et de la communauté ne sont pas impliqués dans
politiques nationaux et locaux, le développement le travail des enfants restera indéterminée, tant
des services sociaux et des infrastructures qui ont que toutes les actions ne seront pas intensifiées
un impact sur le travail des enfants. L’industrie et mieux coordonnées. La pauvreté, le manque
du cacao et les agences multilatérales et de services sociaux, le besoin urgent de plus
bilatérales financent la plupart des initiatives d’infrastructures physiques, telles que des routes,
directes au niveau communautaire. des écoles, des centres de santé et des bureaux
Au niveau communautaire, les efforts de divers de services de protection de l’enfance, sont autant
projets d’intervention et les initiatives de commerce de facteurs restrictifs.
équitable ont obtenu quelques résultats. Des
actions de sensibilisation ont été menées visant
à modifier les comportements relatifs aux
risques que présente le travail des enfants pour
leur développement et pour un développement
économique limité. Les communautés ont
bénéficié de fournitures scolaires, d’initiatives
d’alphabétisation des parents, d’activités de
diversification des revenus, de programmes
d’épargne et de crédit volontaires, d’actions
communautaires contre le travail des enfants
et d’autres programmes. Certaines interventions
ont également apporté un soutien en termes
d’infrastructures, comme la construction de salles
de classe.
Les parties prenantes interrogées ont estimé que
les programmes existants ne couvrent qu’entre 10
et 20 % des ménages producteurs de cacao dans
les deux pays.1 La plupart des sociétés interrogées
ont insisté sur le fait que l’objectif à terme des
programmes est de garantir que toutes les
chaînes d’approvisionnement des communautés
cacaoyères soient couvertes par des programmes
d’éradication du travail des enfants.
1 Comme indiqué également dans l’ICI (2020), La stratégie 2021-2026 de l’ICI, Genève: ICI.
2 Comme le soulignent diverses évaluations, y compris celles réalisées par le chef d’équipe de cette étude et les entretiens menés avec des
spécialistes au cours de l’étude. Les évaluations sont trop nombreuses pour être toutes citées ici, mais elles sont disponibles auprès du BIT, de
l’ICI et du ministère du Travail des États-Unis.
37
LES PRINCIPAUX DÉFIS

1. Pauvreté des ménages de cultivateurs de cacao
• Les prix des fèves de cacao à la sortie de l’exploitation sont bas, bien que
l’analyse des écarts indique que l’augmentation des prix ne suffira pas
à résoudre les problèmes liés à l’éradication du travail des enfants. Les
rendements agricoles par hectare sont faibles en raison du vieillissement des
arbres, de l’infertilité des sols et de l’obsolescence des méthodes de production.
Les agriculteurs empiètent sur les terres forestières pour augmenter les
rendements, ce qui contribue à la destruction de l’environnement. Il n’existe
guère de revenus diversifiés provenant d’autres sources que le cacao pour
compléter les revenus, alors que les agriculteurs sont souvent amenés à
payer des services publics, tels que le matériel et les fournitures scolaires des
enfants, les examens, certains types de soins de santé et d’autres coûts.30
2. Environnements institutionnels déficients

• Les programmes relatifs au travail des enfants ont été mis en œuvre dans
des environnements dotés de faibles capacités techniques et logistiques.
L’intégration du travail des enfants dans les politiques et programmes
pertinents s’est avérée limitée. Ceci est vrai à tous les niveaux, mais plus
particulièrement au niveau local et décentralisé.
3. Faible application des cadres juridiques et réglementaires

• La mise en œuvre de la protection des enfants contre l’exploitation du travail,
les autres formes d’exploitation, les abus et la négligence reste limitée.
L’interdépendance du travail des enfants et d’autres formes d’abus, de
négligence et d’exploitation n’est pas reconnue.
4. Manque d’accès à des services de protection de l’enfance

de qualité
• Il est impératif de développer l’enregistrement des naissances, l’identification et
le traitement des cas de travail des enfants et d’autres formes d’exploitation,
d’abus et de négligence, gérés par le gouvernement. Des mécanismes de
diligence raisonnable et des mécanismes de protection de l’enfance, qui se
complètent mutuellement, doivent être renforcés et intégrés.
5. Manque d’accès à une éducation de qualité

• Y compris l’enseignement et la formation professionnels généraux et
techniques.
6. Manque d’opportunités de travail décent et d’enseignement

et de formation professionnels techniques pour les enfants/
jeunes plus âgés
• En particulier dans l’agriculture et les activités annexes, où les jeunes peuvent
contribuer au développement dans des conditions de travail sûres.

30
ORC à l’Université de Chicago (2020), Évaluation des progrès accomplis dans la réduction du travail des enfants
N
dans les régions productrices de cacao de Côte d’Ivoire et du Ghana. Chicago: Université de Chicago.
38
7. Accès limité à des services ciblés de protection sociale, de santé

et autres services sociaux
• Les services ne sont pas disponibles, doivent être mieux ciblés, en particulier
dans les zones éloignées et difficiles d’accès où le risque de travail des enfants
dans la culture du cacao est élevé.
8. Manque d’infrastructures physiques suffisantes et de qualité

• L’insuffisance et la mauvaise qualité des routes, des ponts, des écoles, des
structures d’eau, d’assainissement et d’hygiène affectent la pauvreté et,
par conséquent, le travail des enfants. Il en résulte un désintérêt et/ou une
réticence des enfants à fréquenter les écoles et des parents à les y envoyer.
9. Migration et traite des enfants internes et transfrontaliers

• Les enfants qui travaillent sont victimes de la traite en raison de leur pauvreté
au Burkina Faso et au Mali et dans d’autres régions de Côte d’Ivoire et du
Ghana. Comparé au travail des enfants par le biais du trafic d’enfants,
le recours au travail des enfants au sein de la famille est beaucoup plus
important dans les régions productrices de cacao.
10. Faiblesse des organisations agricoles

• Nombre insuffisant et efficacité limitée des organisations agricoles (y compris
les coopératives).
11. Déforestation
• La déforestation et d’autres défis environnementaux sont associés à la
pauvreté et à la nécessité d’augmenter la production, et sont liés au travail
des enfants.
12. Couverture limitée des mécanismes de diligence raisonnable

• La diligence raisonnable dans les communautés productrices de cacao dotées
de mécanismes de réduction du travail des enfants couvre de 10 à 20 % des
zones de production de cacao. Par conséquent, l’identification, la remédiation
et le suivi du travail des enfants sont limités, y compris par les partenaires de
développement internationaux/de l’industrie et les gouvernements producteurs.
13. Attention limitée portée à l’inclusion sociale

• Une attention limitée est accordée au genre et à l’inclusion d’autres types
de personnes particulièrement vulnérables dans les programmes relatifs au
travail des enfants et leur mise en œuvre.
14. Attitudes, coutumes et pratiques socioculturelles

• Les attitudes, coutumes et pratiques socioculturelles, combinées à la pauvreté,
font du travail des enfants une solution de repli par rapport à l’embauche de
travailleurs adultes.
39
LES SOLUTIONS INTÉGRÉES

PROPOSÉES
SOLUTIONS GÉNÉRALES
Mise en place et fonctionnement de plateformes de processus multi
1 partites à tous les niveaux pour éradiquer le travail des enfants et garantir
une production durable du cacao.
• Développer un processus multipartite par le biais d’un programme de trans
formation au niveau international (tel que l’Initiative européenne pour un cacao
durable), national (participation et médiation dans le cadre du partenariat public-
privé (PPP) Children First in Cocoa Framework) et local (niveau décentralisé avec
un accent mis sur le leadership, la coordination et la responsabilité).
• Mettre en œuvre à chaque niveau, du national au local, des mécanismes de
communication verticale et horizontale, de planification conjointe et de mise
en œuvre coordonnée d’actions synergiques.
• Élaborer des plans pour traiter l’ensemble des causes profondes et des lacunes
en vue d’éradiquer le travail des enfants.
• Développer des approches par zone intégrées au paysage à un niveau décen-
tralisé.
Adoption d’une approche systémique avec une amélioration continue des
2 initiatives basées sur un retour d’information cohérent à partir des données
quantitatives et qualitatives recueillies sur les initiatives d’éradication
du travail des enfants et la prévalence du travail des enfants.
• Développer un guide d’approche systémique détaillant les méthodes per
mettant l’apprentissage collectif des parties prenantes et l’examen régulier de
potentielles actions de changement.
• Mettre en œuvre des méthodes de collecte de données quantitatives et
qualitatives verticales et horizontales. Intégrer le retour d’information collecté
dans les canaux de planification, du niveau international et national au niveau
communautaire, inversement et horizontalement à chaque niveau.
Élaboration et mise en œuvre d’un système opérationnel de gestion axée
3 sur les résultats (GAR), qui s’appuie sur les systèmes de responsabilité
de toutes les parties prenantes en matière de diligence raisonnable et
qui les étend.
• Élaborer un guide méthodologique pour le système de GAR afin de mesurer les
contributions au suivi des progrès réalisés par rapport aux objectifs, examiner
la diligence raisonnable des sociétés, les méthodes de traçabilité et rendre
compte régulièrement des interventions et les intégrer dans les systèmes gou-
vernementaux.
• Développer des objectifs clairs pour les phases de mise en œuvre au fur et à
mesure des progrès réalisés et mettre en œuvre le système de GAR pour garantir
la responsabilisation.
• Développer des sanctions légales en cas de non-conformité afin de garantir un
impact réel et définir les normes acceptées comme preuve de conformité.
40
SOLUTIONS SPÉCIFIQUES
Partenariats et initiatives des gouvernements de Côte d’Ivoire et du
4 Ghana et des acteurs du monde des affaires alignés sur les conventions,
les normes, les directives internationales, et les politiques et plans
nationaux.
• A méliorer et/ou renforcer les partenariats et les accords transfrontaliers
existants entre la Communauté économique des États de l’Afrique de l’Ouest
(CEDEAO) – Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Burkina Faso et Mali.
• Intensifier les accords et la mise en œuvre d’initiatives en faveur de l’identification,
du retour et de la réintégration des enfants victimes de trafic afin qu’ils rentrent
chez eux au Burkina Faso et au Mali.
• Aligner les pratiques des entreprises, le commerce et la mise en œuvre des
initiatives sur les priorités nationales et les conventions fondamentales du
travail, ainsi que sur les documents d’orientation internationaux relatifs aux
entreprises et aux droits de l’homme.
• Veiller à ce que l’éradication du travail des enfants soit directement évoquée
et pleinement intégrée dans toutes les politiques et tous les plans de
développement économique, en particulier dans les activités économiques
ou les investissements liés à l’agriculture. Y compris dans la conception et le
suivi des plans.
41
Renforcement d’un environnement favorable à la réduction du travail des

5 enfants et de la déforestation, en accordant une attention particulière
à la planification et à la mise en œuvre du développement local, et aux
localités à haut risque.
• Renforcer les cadres juridiques et réglementaires ainsi que les institutions, et
veiller à une meilleure application de la législation destinée à éradiquer le travail
des enfants.
• Développer l’expansion de mécanismes de protection sociale correctement ciblés
pour aider à protéger contre les chocs environnementaux, sanitaires, sociaux et
autres (qui conduisent à une plus grande dépendance au travail des enfants).
• Développer des (nouveaux) plans de développement local ou adapter les
plans existants de sorte qu’ils soient plus complets, mieux intégrés, renforcés et
synergiques en matière de travail des enfants dans les systèmes de protection
de l’enfance.
• Intégrer et maintenir, à court, moyen et long terme, le système de suivi et de
remédiation du travail des enfants (SSRTE) et d’autres approches d’initiatives
relatives au travail des enfants dans les mécanismes de protection des enfants
des gouvernements ivoirien et ghanéen, tout en élargissant la couverture de ces
initiatives et la protection des enfants en général.
• Mener une analyse des capacités afin d’identifier les forces, les faiblesses et les
opportunités de chaque acteur en matière de planification et de mise en œuvre
du développement local pour l’éradication du travail des enfants. Se concen-
trer sur les travailleurs sociaux, les inspecteurs/officiers du travail, les agents de
vulgarisation agricole, les inspecteurs scolaires, les agents de santé, les ensei-
gnants, la police/gendarmerie, les agents de terrain communautaires, etc. Mener
une analyse des capacités pour identifier les forces, les faiblesses et les oppor-
tunités de chaque partie prenante.
• Développer et/ou renforcer les capacités de prestation de services des insti
tutions clés pour la planification du développement local, la mise en œuvre
et l’application des cadres juridiques (districts, préfecture/sous-préfectures,
communautés) en accordant une attention particulière à l’inclusion sociale des
groupes particulièrement vulnérables et des zones à haut risque.
• Il convient de mettre l’accent sur les actions conjointes entre l’industrie et les
programmes soutenus par les donateurs et le personnel des collectivités locales
pour l’apprentissage sur le terrain et la mise en œuvre d’actions relatives au tra-
vail des enfants et à la déforestation. Cela inclut l’identification et la remédiation
du travail des enfants ou du potentiel travail des enfants.
• Intensifier la construction d’infrastructures physiques en mettant l’accent sur
les routes, des écoles accessibles, des infrastructures de santé et de protection
de l’enfance et/ou des centres d’orientation uniques pour les enfants qui tra-
vaillent ou qui risquent de travailler et/ou d’être exploités, maltraités ou négligés.
• Améliorer la qualité et l’accès à l’enseignement général, y compris à des
programmes d’alimentation scolaire bien planifiés et à une éducation sur les
droits de l’enfant et le travail décent dans l’agriculture.
• Renforcer la fourniture de services de protection de l’enfance, y compris l’accès
à l’enregistrement des naissances, et le soutien aux enfants victimes d’abus, de
négligence et d’autres formes d’exploitation.
42
Réduction de la pauvreté des producteurs de cacao et des travailleurs exer-

6 çant des activités auxiliaires dans un contexte d’amélioration des conditions
de travail décentes au sein d’un environnement écologiquement durable
• Poursuivre et intensifier les efforts visant à garantir une augmentation continue
du revenu et du prix du cacao à la sortie de l’exploitation.
• Développer et mettre en œuvre une production moderne, sans danger,
utilisant des méthodes d’intensification durable de la production de cacao
afin d’augmenter les rendements agricoles par hectare sans impact négatif
sur l’environnement et sans qu’il soit nécessaire de convertir des terres non
agricoles supplémentaires.
• Former les enfants (en tenant compte de leurs intérêts) et les adultes des
ménages de producteurs dès l’âge de 15 ans à une production moderne du
cacao, en mettant notamment l’accent sur les méthodes de sécurité et
de santé au travail (SST) dans l’agriculture.
• Développer davantage le système de positionnement global (GPS) et d’autres
formes d’outils de surveillance des exploitations agricoles pour détecter
et suivre les transgressions dans les nouvelles zones forestières.
• Soutenir la promotion de la diversification des activités économiques par
une évaluation du marché et une formation appropriées.
• Développer l’agroforesterie dans les deux pays pour répondre aux besoins de
sécurité alimentaire à court terme et, à moyen ou long terme, en tant que source
de revenus.
• Soutenir l’expansion des systèmes d’associations villageoises d’épargne et
de crédit (AVEC) et l’accès aux services financiers formels.
• Développer des mécanismes efficaces pour soutenir davantage la formali-
sation des activités cacaoyères informelles et des activités informelles
promues dans le cadre des efforts de diversification.
Accroissement et renforcement des organisations d’agriculteurs tout en
7 donnant une voix aux communautés pour un fonctionnement efficace et
contribution à la réduction du travail des enfants
• Mettre en place, si nécessaire, renforcer et développer les organisations confes-
sionnelles nouvelles et existantes afin d’accroître la productivité et le travail
décent pour tous, dans des conditions respectueuses de l’environnement.
• Renforcer les organes communautaires pour lutter contre le travail des enfants,
intégrer efficacement les actions dans les systèmes de protection de l’enfance
et assurer une production de cacao durable.
Renforcement et efficacité des communications relatives au changement
8 de comportement social en matière d’éradication du travail des enfants
et de déforestation
• Développer et mettre en œuvre un guide de bonne stratégie de communication
pour le changement comportemental et social (SBCC pour social and behaviour
change communication) afin de guider les interventions de changement com-
portemental, sur la base des pratiques efficaces en vigueur.
43
PROPOSITIONS ADDITIONNELLES
SPÉCIFIQUES AU PAYS
9 Côte d’Ivoire
• Veiller à ce que les mécanismes d’enregistrement des naissances des enfants
d’immigrants multigénérationnels et des enfants de parents inconnus ou d’autres
personnes qui seraient autrement apatrides soient fonctionnels et que les enfants
obtiennent un acte de naissance.
• Consolider la gestion des coopératives pour lutter contre le travail des enfants.
10 Ghana
• Identifier et mettre en œuvre des réformes institutionnelles au sein du Ghana
Cocoa Board, y compris au CRIG (Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana), pour
améliorer la prestation des services.
• Analyser comment l’exploitation minière illégale est liée au travail des enfants
dans la production de cacao et exerce une influence sur celui-ci; identifier des
solutions et les mettre en œuvre.
RECOMMANDATIONS AUX PRINCIPALES PARTIES

PRENANTES
1 Gouvernements des pays producteurs de cacao
• Les acteurs clés du processus d’éradication du travail des enfants et de la
déforestation demeurent les gouvernements et les populations de Côte d’Ivoire
et du Ghana. Il convient de prendre pleinement en considération leurs points
de vue concernant leurs propres rôles et responsabilités et ceux des autres
acteurs. Les gouvernements de ces deux pays portent la responsabilité
ultime du bien-être des enfants et des adultes qui travaillent dans la chaîne
de valeur du cacao.
2 Secteur privé du cacao

• Il est important que les petites, moyennes et grandes entreprises du secteur
privé du cacao s’unissent pour œuvrer à l’éradication du travail des enfants et de
la déforestation. Les actions visant à relever ces défis ne doivent pas se limiter
aux grandes sociétés mais doivent également inclure les petites et moyennes
entreprises. De nombreuses petites et moyennes entreprises, mais aussi certaines
des plus grandes, ne se sont pas encore engagées dans la diligence raisonnable.
• Le secteur privé devrait résolument se concentrer sur l’intensification des
initiatives actuelles et envisagées. Celles-ci comprennent le SSRTE et les
sujets identifiés dans le cadre du partenariat public-privé (PPP) Children First
in Cocoa; par exemple, le Child Learning and Education Facility (CLEF), le Early
Learning and Nutrition Facility (ELAN), la nutrition scolaire, l’enregistrement des
naissances et l’éducation, y compris l’enseignement technique et la formation
professionnelle (EFTP). En plus de poursuivre le développement et la mise à
l’échelle du PPP en Côte d’Ivoire, il conviendrait de poursuivre le développement
complet du PPP au Ghana.
44
• Au cours de la phase initiale (1 à 2 ans), toutes les sociétés devraient être tenues
de développer leurs systèmes afin de prendre en compte les accords de diligence
raisonnable volontaires et obligatoires et de mettre en œuvre ces systèmes
si ce n’est pas encore le cas. Les petites et moyennes entreprises (PME) actives
dans la chaîne de valeur devraient être formellement tenues d’adhérer à la
diligence raisonnable obligatoire. Cela concerne aussi bien les PME nationales
qu’internationales. Cela inclut également les grandes sociétés qui ne mettent pas
encore en œuvre la diligence raisonnable dans leur chaîne de valeur du cacao.
• Au cours de la période initiale, il convient d’aborder les actions les plus cruciales
et leur intégration. À court terme, une attention particulière doit être accordée
au renforcement des capacités, à la réduction de la pauvreté, à la modernisation
de la production, à l’enregistrement des naissances, à l’amélioration de l’accès à
une éducation de qualité et à d’autres services sociaux. L’alimentation scolaire
doit faire partie intégrante de toutes les actions d’éducation.
Organisations de commerce équitable, réseaux de défense, organisations
3 de normalisation et agences de mise en œuvre
• Tous ont un rôle clé à jouer pour garantir une mise en œuvre appropriée de la
diligence raisonnable. Cela est particulièrement vrai au niveau des exploitations
agricoles, afin que le travail des enfants ne soit pas dissimulé mais objectivement
identifié, examiné et traité.
4 Organisations internationales
• Elles mettront en œuvre leur mandat pour soutenir les gouvernements de Côte
d’Ivoire et du Ghana dans leur démarche de mise en œuvre de politiques et de
stratégies relatives à l’éradication du travail des enfants et à une production
durable de cacao.
45
PART 1
Study purpose and context
Despite many efforts to eliminate child labour in cocoa production in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana,
the problem persists. The cocoa industry, governments, international agencies and NGOs have
been working to eliminate child labour along the value chain for years. In fact, ending the
practice of child labour remains a considerable challenge internationally. It is estimated that
160 million1 children are still engaged in child labour acRoss the globe. Approximately half (79
million) of them are engaged in the worst forms of child labour. Agriculture is the main sector,
among many others, in which working children are to be found. Worldwide, 70% of child labour
occurs in the agriculture sector, including farming, livestock, forestry, fishing and aquaculture.
Africa is home to nearly two-thirds of all the child labourers in the world. More specifically,
almost one-fourth of African children are engaged in child labour and 80% of those children
are working in the agriculture sector. Indeed, between 2012 and 2020 agricultural child labour
in Africa actually increased instead of declining2.
As the World Economic Forum has reported, chocolate is a global US $130 billion industry3. A
study4 published in 2019 shows that the overall prevalence of child labour in cocoa producing
areas in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana has not substantially decreased over the last 10 years.
Although prevalence has reduced in those localities where initiatives to address child labour
have been implemented, increased cocoa production has led to increases in child labour in
other areas.5 It should be noted that direct intitiatives are only being carried out in 10% to
20% of the cocoa growing communities.6
With a total of 1.56 million children involved, the number of children who are in child labour
in the two countries remains high.7 The total number of children suffering under the practice
1 ILO and UNICEF (2021), Child Labour: Global estimates 2020, trends and the road forward, ILO and UNICEF, New York.
2 Ibid
3 World Economic Forum (2020), Cocoa’s Bittersweet Supply Chain.
Available from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/11/cocoa-chocolate-supply-chain-business-bar-africa-exports/.
Accessed 15/11/2020. Figure was made available for non-commercial use.
4 Often referred to as the “NORC Report”. NORC at the University of Chicago (2020), Assessing Progress in Reducing
Child Labor in Cocoa Production in Cocoa Growing Areas of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Chicago: University of Chicago.
All data in this paragraph are from the NORC study.
5 Cocoa Plan Nestlé (2017), Tackling Child Labour: 2017 Report, Geneva: Cocoa Plan Nesté, International Cocoa
Initiative (ICI). NORC at the University of Chicago (2020), Assessment of Effectiveness of Cocoa Industry
Interventions in Reducing Child Labor in Cocoa Growing Areas of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Chicago: University of Chicago.
6 Estimates according to different interviewees from cocoa networks.
7 Often referred to as the “NORC Report”. NORC at the University of Chicago (2020), Assessing Progress in Reducing
Child Labor in Cocoa Production in Cocoa Growing Areas of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Chicago: University of Chicago.
All data in this paragraph are from the NORC study.
46
of child labour in Côte d’Ivoire’s cocoa producing areas is estimated at 790,000, with 770,000
in Ghana. Children’s work is almost always at farm level. They are rarely engaged in child
labour higher along the cocoa value chain. The study found that a higher percentage of boys
were engaged in child labour in agriculture than girls (57% versus 43% in 2018/19). These
proportions have not changed substantially over the last ten years. Unfortunately, the study
does not provide specific statistics on child trafficking in the context of cocoa production.
The main child labour activities in cocoa include:

• Land clearing
• Using agro-chemicals
• Using sharp tools
• Plucking cocoa pods
• Weeding and pruning trees
• Spreading, sorting and drying cocoa beans on drying mats
• Carrying heavy loads: gathering and heaping pods, bringing fermented cocoa beans to
aggregating and/or purchasing points
• Engaging in long working hours and/or night work
Ghana with permission © International Cocoa Initiative
TABLE 1 – Prevalence of main hazardous child labour tasks among children in cocoa
producing areas8
Type of Hazardous Tasks Côte d’Ivoire Ghana Average

Land clearing 22% 14% 19%
Use of sharp tools 31% 43% 36%
Carrying heavy loads 26% 32% 29%
8 Table based on results from NORC at the University of Chicago (2020), Assessing Progress in Reducing Child Labor in
Cocoa Production in Cocoa Growing Areas of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Chicago: University of Chicago.
47
Only one percent or less of the children worked long hours and between 2% (Côte d’Ivoire) and
3% (Ghana) engaged in night work.
The study identified an increase in agro-chemical exposure from 4 percent to 19 percent in

between 2013-2014 and 2018-2019 in Côte d’Ivoire. For the same period, children’s exposure
to agro-chemicals in Ghana increased from 7 percent to 32 percent.
In addition to hazardous tasks, children working on cocoa farms may also be victims of physical
and verbal abuse while engaged in their work.9 They are at increased risk of physical and
emotional violence10, mainly triggered by factors, such as not doing the work in accordance
with expectations. Girls, and also sometimes boys, are at risk of sexual abuse while working on
cocoa farms.11
The number of children engaged in permitted, non-hazardous light work in cocoa production is
very small in both countries12. The figures are 2% in Côte d’Ivoire and 6% in Ghana.13 Similarly, in
both countries, only 1% of children between 15 and 17 years of age in agricultural households
work in non-hazardous labour.14 The data indicate, therefore, that the vast majority of children
working as labourers producing cocoa in the two countries are engaged in hazardous tasks
and are in “the worst forms of child labour”.
The demand for cocoa has grown and overall productivity has increased. Nevertheless, yields
per hectare have decreased or remained stagnant. On farms with old cocoa trees that no
longer provide good yields15, diseases, pests and soil infertility contribute to low productivity.
Farmers have consequently moved into new and often protected forest areas to establish new
cocoa farms. In fact, much of the deforestation that has occurred in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana is
related to land clearing for the establishment of cocoa farms.16
9 E.g., Understanding Children’s Work (UCW) Programme (2017), Not Just Cocoa: Child Labour in the Agricultural Sector
in Ghana (Document covers children in cocoa and other forms of agriculture), Geneva, Rome: ILO, Centre for Economic
and International Studies (CEIS).
10 Pluess, J. (November 2018), Children’s Rights in the Cocoa-Growing Communities of Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan: UNICEF
Côte d’Ivoire.
11 All information from ILO (2007), Rooting out Child Labour from Cocoa Farms, Paper No. 2 Safety and health hazards,
Geneva: ILO-IPIEC.
12 NORC at the University of Chicago (2020), Assessing Progress in Reducing Child Labor in Cocoa Production in Cocoa
13 Children aged 12-14 who work less than 14 hours per week in non-hazardous work are defined as in light work. NORC
at the University of Chicago (2020), Assessing Progress in Reducing Child Labor in Cocoa Production in Cocoa Growing
Areas of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Chicago: University of Chicago.
14 Children 15-17 who do not carry out any hazardous tasks in cocoa production at all and work for less than 43 hours
per week. NORC at the University of Chicago (2020), Assessing Progress in Reducing Child Labor in Cocoa Production
in Cocoa Growing Areas of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Chicago: University of Chicago.
15 Wessel, M., Foluke Quist-Wessel, F. (2015) Cocoa Production in West Africa, a Review and Analysis of Recent
Developments. NJAS – Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences. Vol 74-75. December 2015, Pages 1-7.
16 Multiple sources. Most recently: Mighty Earth (2020), An ”Open Secret:” Illegal Ivorian Cocoa. 20/11/2020
Available from https://www.mightyearth.org/an-open-secret-illegal-ivorian-cocoa/.
48
Vulnerable children are a cheap source of labour on existing and new farms. For cocoa to
be sustainable, however, it cannot co-exist with any of the child labour, deforestation and/or
environmental degradation practices prevalent at present in cocoa producing countries.
It should be emphasised that Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana are the world’s largest cocoa producers,
responsible for 60% of the world´s production, a high percentage of which is imported by the
EU. For the 2019-2020 season, Côte d’Ivoire produced an estimated 2 million tons and Ghana
850,000 tons.17 On the demand-side, European Union member countries consume about 70%
of this output.
1.1. GLOBAL OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

Against this background, this study The European Commission has requested this study
with the global objective of:18 Proposing effective, efficient, high-impact and sustainable
integrated solutions to eliminate child labour in the cocoa value chain and promoting
responsible and sustainable cocoa production overall in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.
This overall objective was expected to be based on a detailed analysis of the root causes
of child labour. The study was carried out with input from key stakeholders and included a
document review and an analysis of the expected impact of the proposed solutions.
The study will feed into the dialogue between participating stakeholders in the recently
launched EU Sustainable Cocoa Initiative. The initiative covers several subject areas, including
child labour. The multi-stakeholder dialogue brings together representatives from Côte d’Ivoire
and Ghana, as well as representatives of the European Parliament, EU Member States, cocoa
growers and civil society.19
The report is divided into three sections. Part 1 provides an overview of the context, purpose,
scope and methodology of the study. It also includes summaries of the relevant key international
agreements, main stakeholders and general Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana country information. Part
2 analyses the main root causes and existing gaps that interfere with obtaining higher impact
of child labour elimination efforts. Part 3 focuses on the key recommended solutions which are
summarised in Table Format in Annex 1.
17 Commodafrica (2019), La campagne cacao 2019/20 lancée en Côte d’Ivoire et au Ghana, avec un prix en hausse de
8 à 10%. Available from http://www.commodafrica.com/01-10-2019-la-campagne-cacao-201920-lancee-en-cote-
divoire-et-au-ghana-avec-un-prix-en-hausse-de-8. Accessed 09/06/2020.
18 Please note that the Global Objective has been reworded from the ToR to ensure clarity when sharing the research
purpose with key stakeholders/information providers.
19 European Commission (September 2020), Commission launches initiative for more sustainable cocoa production.
Available from https://ec.europa.eu/international-partnerships/news/commission-launches-initiative-more-sustainable-
cocoa-production_en. Accessed 25/11/2020.
49
1.2. METHODOLOGY
A systems analysis approach was adopted to help define the very complex and dynamic
environment of the cocoa value chain. Research components were therefore analysed by
subject and their vertical, horizontal and multi-dimensional aspects and inter-relationships
were also studied. Key stakeholders were interviewed and contributed to the study. Documents
were reviewed and analysed before formulating proposed solutions.
Qualitative and secondary quantitative data analysis methods were used. The collection of
qualitative data - interviews, websites, research documents, webinars, various reports - was
important to gain understanding of the international and national context to all the relevant
issues. Qualitative data was used to identify good practices, innovative approaches and
lessons learned, as well as potential sustainable solutions to reduce child labour and promote
sustainable cocoa production.
The research was based on mapping several key areas to facilitate the organisation of the
assignment, with these areas being identified through the terms of reference (ToR). Please see
Annex 2 for the results of the mapping exercise in graphic format. The mapping helped ensure
that all the areas to be analysed were well organised and understood, and that their inter-
relationships were clear with any unnecessary factors removed.
The main areas identified for analysis were:
1. Governance at international and national level

2. The economic context at international and national level
3. Country demographics and labour data in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana
4. The environmental context (physical environment) in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana
5. The agricultural environment in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana
6. The social and cultural context of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana
1.2.1. RESEARCH CONTEXT AND APPROACH
In accordance with the study requirements, the primary focus of the current study is on child
labour in cocoa value chains.
Interviews were conducted with 137 stakeholders from 100 entities. Interviewees in both
countries included cocoa industry representatives, key government officials, European Union
institutions and delegations, the United Nations, representatives of foundations and Non-Profit
Organisations (NGOs), workers’ and employers’ organisations and international stakeholders. Of
the total, 87 were international stakeholders from 64 entities. In Côte d’Ivoire 29 stakeholders
50
from 17 entities were interviewed. While in Ghana 21 persons from 19 entities/offices were
interviewed. (See Annex 4 for details)
Over 600 documents and over 200 websites were analysed. The interview and documentary
data were analysed using the qualitative data software Atlas.ti.20
The study used a systems and evaluative inquiry research approach with a rights-based lens
and environmental sustainability review.
TABLE 2
Systems and Evaluative Inquiry Research Approaches Used in the Research
Causal loop Identification of the key variables of interest and determine how
analysis21 components relate to and affect each other.
Social network Mapping of the key actors and their relationships. Identification of
analysis key and representative stakeholders. Data collected were entered
into a spreadsheet and analysed. Information from interviews was
used to gain a better understanding of the relationships and possible
existence/absence of joint actions. The mapping was used to understand
the consequences of the different strengths and depths of the
interrelationships.
Outcome Exploration of how possible interventions could contribute to the global

mapping objective.
Evaluative Implementation of a systematic process of collecting quantitative and

inquiry22 qualitative data and applying evaluative thinking. Past and current
methods of addressing the issues were reviewed and assessed, gaps
identified and recommendations formulated. Interviews, relevant
technical documents, evaluations of past projects and programmes
were analysed to determine useful lessons learned and good practices.
The evaluative inquiry approach requires taking what can be learned
from these analyses and integrating the findings in order to propose
modification of strategies and other outcomes. Evaluative inquiry
therefore helps identify potential pathways for change and improvement.
20 Atlasti.com
21 Burns, D. and Worsley, S. (2016), Navigating Complexity in International Development: Facilitating Sustainable Change
at Scale. Warwickshire: Practical Action Publishing Ltd.
Williams, B and Hummelbrunner, R (2011), Systems Concepts in Action. Stanford: Stanford Business.
22 Visionary Evaluation for a Sustainable Equitable Future (2020), Edited by Parsons, B. and Dhillon, J., Charlotte, NC:
Information Age Publishing
51
Rights-based Universal application of rights-based methods in all investigative

study processes and when drawing conclusions.23 There was particular focus
on persons affected by gender discrimination, out-of-school children.
Children 15 to 18 years old received special attention as they are
included in the definition of child labourers. Young people aged 18-
24 were also considered24. Migrants/trafficked persons, people with
disabilities, people affected by HIV and the elderly were included.
The rights-based lens also included other priorities, such as those
most recently cited in the Council of the European Union25. Including
civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights, discrimination of all
types and the links between human rights and the environment. The
application of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) was
analysed as it relates to child labour in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.
Environmental Was incorporated into the study focusing on the impact of cocoa on
Sustainability the environment, especially deforestation, and related child labour
Review challenges in both countries.
The timeframe for the study was March to December 2020.
1.2.2. DATA ANALYSIS
The research used both qualitative and quantitative data and corresponding analysis methods.
The collection of qualitative data through online (i.e. Zoom) interviews, research websites
and documents, webinars and various reports was necssary to gain an understanding of
the international and national context to all the relevant issues. Qualitative data were used
to identify good practices, innovative approaches and lessons learned, as well as potential
sustainable solutions to reduce child labour and promote sustainable cocoa production.
Some secondary quantitative data were also analysed. An online form, that 33 stakeholders
completed, was used to identify the key challenges that need to be addressed. These data
were used to cross-check trends identified in the interviews and confirm the veracity of the
information collected.
23 United Nations Evaluation Group (2016), Norms and Standards for Evaluation, New York: United Nations Evaluation
Group.
24 As per UNICEF (2020) Definition Youth, Available from https://www.un.org/en/sections/issues-depth/youth-0/index.html.
25 Council of the European Union (2020), Outcome of Proceedings, Council Conclusions on EU Priorities in UN Human
Rights Fora in 2020. Brussels: General Secretariat of the Council.
52
The semi-structured interviews were aligned with the key areas expertise of the persons
contacted. Interviewees were asked to provide their opinions on the main challenges, past
successes and any lessons learned of which they were aware. They were also invited to put
forward their ideas for solutions to the key challenges that they mentioned. Consistent with
the interactive methods inherent in the systems approach, interviewees and the research
team were given some space and time during data collection sessions for real interactive
discussions. This enriched collective learning and understanding, particularly as some key
stakeholders were interviewed more than once.
Analysis consisted of a structured approach in each subject area to determine the most
important information to consider when developing proposed solutions, including gaps and
shortfalls and how they could best be addressed.
The study used the following analysis tools:

• Triangulation of data
• SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats)
• Multiple directional analysis – the data were analysed in several layers and directions,
bottom up, top down (to ensure logic), diagonally and horizontally.
• Atlas.ti26 qualitative data analysis software was used to identify key issues, trends,
patterns and potential recommendations from documents and interviews. Documents and
detailed interview notes were entered into the tool. Based on the research requirements,
specific categories were developed and used to assign the relevant interview quotations
and document material to the subject areas.
• Simplemind - mind mapping software to map out all contextual factors and their
relationships to achieve high-level results in terms of eliminating child labour in cocoa in
Ghana and the Côte d’Ivoire.27
• Jibility.com - a tool for building strategy roadmaps that helps prioritise key elements
quickly and easily. This was used to present recommendations and suggest roadmaps. The
method includes capability-based analysis and planning methods to ensure that suggested
changes are aligned to the overarching strategic vision.
The results of interviews involving international and national development agencies, including
NGOs and other non-state actors, were all analysed using the Atlas.ti software.
An ethical approach was adopted to the research to ensure confidentiality. The research team
adhered to the ILO’s Evaluation Policy, ILO Policy Guidelines for Evaluation (3rd edition)28,
and the UN Evaluation Group Norms and Standards, Ethical Guidelines, Code of Conduct.29
26 Atlasti.com
27 Annex 3
28 ILO (2017), ILO policy guidelines for evaluation: Principles, rationale, planning and managing for evaluations, 3RD
edition. Geneva: ILO.
29 United Nations Evaluation Group (2016), Norms and Standards for Evaluation, New York: United Nations Evaluation Group.
53
The team also respected the following principles adapted from the Visionary Evaluation for a
Sustainable Equitable Future30 document:
• Commit to a sustainable, equitable future

• Recognise the world as composed of living, entangled systems
• Discover, reveal, and respect intersectionalities
• Facilitate the transparency and understanding of human values
• Learn through interactive action and inquiry
The research assumptions on which the research activities were based generally remained
very relevant during the period under review (see Annex 5). Except for the engagement of a
few public institutions - which required the intervention of the EU Delegation to provide letters
introducing the researchers - all stakeholders were extremely cooperative and easy to access
for virtual interviews.
1.2.3. STUDY LIMITATIONS
A key limitation is that the research was intended to be desk-based. This meant that no field
visits were planned in either country and that there was no interaction with the final target
groups, that is the farmers and their families themselves.
The on-going COVID19 situation also meant that it was difficult to reach stakeholders. Many
stakeholders were working from home with inadequate internet connections; others were
absent for health and other personal reasons. Organising calls was a major challenge. Multiple
requests were often made before it was possible to obtain interviews and/or to select times
suitable for the stakeholders.
1.3. CONTEXT AND VALUE CHAIN OVERVIEW
1.3.1. KEY COCOA STAKEHOLDERS
The cocoa value chain is quite complex as the processing of cocoa requires more steps
than for many other commodities. Figure 1 summarises the key stakeholders related to the
chain, child labour and deforestation issues associated with cocoa products. The key groups
of stakeholders include the cocoa farmers and their communities and national civil society
organisations, government, cocoa value chain actors and international development partners.
30 Parsons, B; Dhillon, L; Keen, M. (Eds), Visionary Evaluation for a Sustainable Equitable Future, Volume in Evaluation and
Society Series. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing.
54
FIGURE 1 – Key Stakeholders
Stakeholders
Government ministries
Communities & National and agencies as International Development
Industry - Value Chain
Civil Society applicable (national and Partners
decentralised)
Children Government Cocoa Cocoa Producers European Union

Agency
Families Local Traders United Nations
Conseil du Café Cacao Agencies
Cocoa Producers Transporters
ILO
Ghana Cocoa Board
Local Leaders (COCOBOD) Input Providers
UNICEF
Community Based Economic Development Financial
Organizations/National FAO
Civil Society
Labour Material
UNDP (Governance)
Workers’ & Employers’
Organisations Child Labour Exporters
Coordination Office Others
Cooperatives International Buyers

Education UNEP (Environment)
Farmers’ Associations Importers to EU & others

Educators, Formal Bi-lateral Agencies
Community-Based Cocoa, Chocolate &

Planning Netherlands
Groups Confectionary Companies
Savings & Credit Industry/Commerce/Trade Semi-finished cocoa Germany

Groups products (liquors,
butter, powder) France
Agriculture
Non-governmental and
private service providers Industrial chocolate
Switzerland
Gender (Couverture)
Non-Formal and UK (DFID)
informal Educators Social Welfare Final chocolate
products
US (USDOL)
Health Workers Social & Child
Protection Workers Chocolate Wholesalers
Japan
Financing Providers
Health Retailers
Others
Formal
Justice Consumers
International and Industry
Informal Networks, NGOs,
Interior
Foundations, Associations
Security Providers International Financial

Institutions
Forestry and
Environmental African Development
Sustainability Bank
Rural Development
World Bank
Finance
55
1.3.2. COUNTRY VALUE CHAINS
There is a lack of reliable and valid recent data on the exact number of cocoa farmers in Côte
d’Ivoire and Ghana. Both countries are expected to conduct a farm census in 2021, which
will provide a more accurate picture. In the meantime, experts interviewed for this study
estimated that there are approximately 800,000 to 1,000,000 cocoa farmers in Côte d’Ivoire.31
Approximately 6 million people work in the cocoa industry in Cote d’Ivoire.32 In Ghana there are
approximately 600,000 to 800,000 cocoa farmers.
Given the importance of cocoa in the Ivorian and Ghanaian economies, the governments of
both countries play an important role in managing the industry. In Côte d’Ivoire the Conseil de
Café Cacao (CCC) focuses on its objectives of strengthening good governance and ensuring
some regulation and transparency in the management of resources. The CCC also works to
ensure that farmers receive a guaranteed minimum price. It provides licenses to private buyers,
cooperatives and exporters, collects taxes and sets the prices for the collection and transport
of cocoa within the country.
The state of Ghana has mandated the Ghana Cocoa Board (known as COCOBOD) to oversee
all affairs regarding cocoa and related products in the country. It focuses on the production,
research, extension, internal and external marketing and quality control of cocoa.33 COCOBOD
engages in a wide range of activities to manage these processes, dividing its main activities
into pre- and post-harvest initiatives. It engages in pre-harvest activities, such as seed
production, associated research and provides direct support to farmers with cocoa production.
Post-harvest, quality control measures are implemented to ensure that the cocoa beans meet
the requirements of the Licenced Buying Companies (LBC) traders. COCOBOD contributes to
pricing negotiations and the overall development of the cocoa industry in Ghana, including
policies and measures to ensure some relative price stability for cocoa farmers.
1.3.3. INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS AND DEFINITIONS
1.3.3.1. International Labour Standards (ILS) and other key human rights treaties
Several International Labour Standards (ILS) are of particular importance in terms of decent
work and child labour conditions. Freedom from Child Labour is actually one of the four core
international labour standards. Countries that have ratified ILS are obliged to harmonise their
31 Personal interviews with cocoa network representatives.

32 ArcGIS (2020), Cocoa Industry in the Côte d’Ivoire, https://www.arcgis.com/apps/Cascade/index.
html?appid=dd19d4b6444e492da5b069d62d2c3ecb, Accessed 30/06/2020
33 Also, shea nut and coffee. Ghana Cocoa Board, (2020) About US,
Available from https://cocobod.gh/ObjectivesFunctionsBoard.php. Accessed 06/06/2020
56
legal and regulatory frameworks in line with the articles of the ILS. The translation into national
laws and enforcement remains weak in countries where child labour is highly prevalent. This
includes Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.
Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana have ratified both specific conventions on child labour. Convention
138 covering a minimum age across all sectors was adopted at the International Labour
Conference in 1973. ILO Convention 182 on the worst forms of child labour was adopted
in 1999 and is the first ILO convention to be ratified by all countries. Both conventions fall
under the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, or core labour standards, and are thus
considered of the highest importance. Both countries have also ratified Convention 87 on
freedom of association and Convention 98 on the right to organise and bargain collectively.
These conventions are critical in that they support the rights of farmer-based-organisations.
Other ILO labour standards of importance that both countries have ratified include the ILO
C011. This labour standard accords persons working in agriculture the same right of association
- that is organising - as persons in industry.
It should be added that the 1998 Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work
(FPRW) stipulates that all ILO member states must respect, promote and realise the principles
underlying the fundamental conventions, even if they have not ratified the conventions
themselves.34 C184 on occupational safety and health (OSH) is very relevant in this regard
since the ILO’s governing body is considering making it one of the core labour standards.
The Fourth Global Conference on the Sustained Eradication of Child Labour in 201735 led
to the adoption of the Buenos Aires Declaration on Child Labour, Forced Labour and Youth
Employment. The declaration includes concrete steps towards the eradication of child labour
and forced labour, and the generation of quality employment for young people. It also called
for alignment with SDG Target 8.7 to end child labour by 2025 and forced labour by 2030.
Alliance 8.7 is a network of stakeholders focusing on ensuring the end of child labour and
forced labour under SDG 8.36 Several important conferences led up to the over-arching Buenos
Aires Declaration, to which participating countries have committed. The first was in Oslo in
1997 and the second, held in the Hague in 2010, adopted a road map to eliminate child labour.
The third, in Brasilia in 2013, called for a renewed focus on strengthening the capacities, roles
and responsibilities of governments to eliminate child labour.
34 ILO (2020), Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work: About the Declaration,
Available from https://www.ilo.org/declaration/thedeclaration/lang--en/index.htm Accessed 15/09/2020.
35 Global Conference on the Sustained Eradication of Child Labour IV (2017), Buenos Aires Declaration on Child Labour,
Forced Labour and Youth Employment, 14-16 November 2017, Buenos Aires: Alliance 8.7
36 Alliance 8.7 (2020a), Alliance 8.7 is an Inclusive Global Partnership Committed to Achieving Target 8.7 of the 2030
Sustainable Development Goals. Available from: https://www.alliance87.org/the-alliance/ Accessed 20/06/2020.
57
Côte d’Ivoire, but not Ghana, has ratified C110 - Plantations Convention, 1958 (No. 110).37 This
labour standard is applicable to any agricultural undertaking that hires workers. The convention
explicitly states that workers should not be paid less than the minimum wage. Child labourers
working with their own families are often not paid at all; those working as forced or hired
labour are commonly underpaid.
Côte d’Ivoire has also ratified P155 - Protocol of 2002 to the Occupational Safety and Health
Convention, which will enter into force in November 2020.
Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana have both ratified the Palermo Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and
Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children.
Ghana was the first county in the world to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
in 1990. Côte d’Ivoire ratified the convention in 1991.
1.3.3.2. International agreements
The Harkin Engel Protocol has had an important influence on the planning and development
of initiatives to reduce child labour in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.38 The protocol is a voluntary
agreement, signed in 2011, which was developed in partnership with US Senator Tom Harkin
and Representative Eliot Engel working with cocoa and chocolate industry representatives. It
is aimed at eliminating the worst forms of child labour in the growing and processing of cocoa
beans and their by-products wherever cocoa is grown. A Framework of Action accompanies the
protocol, including a target to reduce child labour by 70% in the cocoa value chain in Ghana
and Cote d’Ivoire by 2020. Unfortunately, as the NORC study on the prevalence of child labour
in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana has indicated, this 70% reduction has not yet occurred. However,
quite recently, a Public Private Partnership (PPP) has been initiated in both countries to ensure
a more comprehensive approach to addressing some of the challenges - including a lack of
resources - to achieve child labour, human rights and environmental sustainability goals.
1.3.3.3. Industry agreements and declarations
The cocoa and chocolate industry have adopted some agreements and made joint declarations
on issues regarding human rights and sustainability. These include the Berlin Declaration of
37 ILO (2020), C110 - Plantations Convention, 1958 (No. 110), Available from https://www.ilo.org/dyn/normlex/en/f?p=NO
RMLEXPUB:12100:::NO:12100:P12100ILOCODE:C110:NO. Website consulted 26/08/2020.
38 Secretary Solis H. L., Minister Guireoulou E., Minister Mensah E. T., Graham L. T., Senator Harkin T., Congressman Engel
E. and Donaldson N. (13 09 2010), Declaration of Joint Action to Support Implementation of the Harkin-Engel Protocol.
Available from https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ILAB/legacy/files/GhanaSignedDeclaration.pdf. Accessed on
15/06/2020.
58
the Fourth World Cocoa Conference 2018.39 This declaration includes a call to ensure a living
income for cocoa farmers and to increase efforts to abolish child labour and deforestation.
The European Cocoa Association (ECA), speaking for its members in 2019, published a position
paper on EU Due Diligence Regulations.40 Major cocoa industry companies, such as Fairtrade,
Rainforest Alliance and VOICE Network, likewise signed a “Joint position paper on the EU’s
policy and regulatory approach to cocoa” in 201941 with similar affirmations. In February
2020, CAOBISCO - an association of European chocolate, biscuit and confectionery industries
- also issued a statement on due diligence.42 All three statements/position papers indicated
that they support the development of an EU-wide due diligence agreement that is aligned with
the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights43 and the OECD-FAO Guidance for
Responsible Agricultural Supply Chains.44
Another set of key guidelines that the ECA45 notes should be considered as applicable are the
Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests.46
These guidelines are of importance as they deal with poverty reduction, which is necessary for
the elimination of child labour, and environmental protection.
The statements all stress the importance of addressing child labour, forced labour/trafficking
and deforestation, among other rights and environmental issues. They call for the EU to
engage in consultative processes for an EU-wide due diligence regulation with the publication
of a draft regulation no later than end 2020.
Other existing agreements focus on the setting of standards in fair trade conditions applicable
to many agricultural commodities. Some of the entities focusing on standards are discussed in
the next section.
39 ICCO (2020), Berlin Declaration of the Fourth World Cocoa Conference 2018. Available from https://www.icco.org/
about-us/icco-news/387-berlin-declaration-of-the-fourth-world-cocoa-conference.html#:~:text=Berlin%2C%2025%20
April%202018%2D%2D,is%20no%20longer%20an%20option. Accessed 08/08/2020.
40 Note: ECA is a trade association grouping the major companies engaged in cocoa bean trade and processing,
warehousing and related logistical activities in Europe.ECA (2019), European Cocoa Association Position Paper on Due
Diligence, Brussels: European Cocoa Association.
41 Barry Callebaut, Fairtrade, Mars Wrigley, Mondelez International, Rainforest Alliance, VOICE Network (2019), Joint
position paper on the EU’s policy and regulatory approach to cocoa. Brussels: Barry Callebaut, Fairtrade, Mars Wrigley,
Mondelez International, Rainforest Alliance, VOICE Network.
42 CAOBISCO (2020), CAOBISCO Statement Due Diligence, Brussels: CAOBISCO.
43 United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner, Geneva: United Nations.
44 OECD-FAO (2016), OECD‑FAO Guidance for Responsible Agricultural Supply Chains, Paris: OECD.
45 ECA (2019), European Cocoa Association Position Paper on Due Diligence, Brussels: European Cocoa Association.
46 FAO, CFS Committee on World Food Security (2012), Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of
Land, Fisheries and Forests in the Context of National Food Security, Rome: FAO.
59
1.3.3.4. Certification and standards
An African Regional Standard on cocoa is currently being developed that is intended to

supersede the ISO standard in West Africa. The governments of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana expect
the African Regional Standard to reflect their own inputs and vision. The main elements under
discussion for the standard are, nevertheless, largely in line with ISO 34101.
Fairtrade International focuses on standard setting, certification and traceability. Its mission
is to connect disadvantaged producers with consumers, promote fairer trading conditions and
empower producers to combat poverty, strengthen their position and help them take more
control over their lives.
Rainforest Alliance (RA) focuses on standard setting and certification, advocacy and
awareness raising. The RA provides the Rainforest Alliance Certified™ seal to farms, forests
and businesses that meet its environmental and social standards. Certification requires the
absence of child labour in the supply chain from producer level upwards. The RA addresses
deforestation and climate change and supports the creation of economic opportunities and
better working conditions for rural people.
Some networks are strongly oriented towards standards development and include entities
such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the ISEAL Alliance (a global
association for credible sustainability standards) and the Standards and Trade Development
Facility (STDF). All stakeholders in the cocoa sector from cocoa producing as well as cocoa
consuming countries participated in the development of ISO 34101 on sustainable and
traceable cocoa. As a result, in 2019, a series of standards on sustainable and traceable cocoa
- ISO 34101 - was adopted. In 2020 the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) also
adopted these documents. Under ISO 34101 the organisations directly or indirectly linked to
the cocoa value chain are expected to work with farmers and farmers’ organisations to help
ensure that the requirements under the standards can be met.
1.3.4. COUNTRY DEFINITIONS OF CHILD LABOUR, LEGAL AND

POLICY FRAMEWORKS
Stakeholders interviewed for this study often mentioned challenges around the issue of
definitions of child labour. The ILO conventions indicate that no child below a specific age
should work. The limit is set at 15 but may be lower under specific conditions as determined
by governments. Furthermore, under the age of 18, no child should work in any condition that
is mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous and harmful to children; and/or interferes
with their education. Work which includes any labour tasks that a country has officially declared
as hazardous for children is a worst form of child labour.
60
While the ILO conventions are quite clear overall, there is still scope for specific adjustments
at country level concerning issues such as what constitutes “light work” and minimum age.
According to law, children in Côte d’Ivoire may engage in “light work” from the age of 13 to
16.47 In Ghana, under the Ghana Children Act 1998, the minimum age for admission of children
into employment is 15.48 However, as in Côte d’Ivoire, children may be employed at the age of
13 to do light work. The minimum age for engagement of persons in hazardous work is 18.
Côte d’Ivoire officially adopted a list that includes specific child labour tasks considered
hazardous in agriculture.49 The Ghana Hazardous Activity Framework50 equally provides
specifics on which activities are considered hazardous in different categories, including in
agriculture.
The plan indicates international development partners and the private sector, which would
include from the cocoa industry, are expected to provide support for the implementation of
the National Child Labour Plan. As one Government stakeholder indicated, this means that
all initiatives—whether funded through outside donors or other non-state actors—should be
aligned with the National Child Labour Action Plan.
Côte d’Ivoire’s current National Child Labour Plan51 runs from 2019-2021 and has three main
strategies:
1. Access for children to basic social services and/or a decent job

2. Reduction of the socio-economic vulnerability of families and communities
3. Strengthening of institutions, legal and programmatic frameworks to fight against child
labour
47 ILO (2020), NATLEX Database of national labour, social security and related human rights legislation: Côte d’Ivoire >
Elimination of child labour, protection of children and young persons, Available from https://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/
natlex4.listResults?plang=en&pcountry=CIV&pclassification=04. Accessed 08/08/2020.
48 Government of Ghana (1998), The Children’s’ Act, 1998, Act 560, Accra: Government of Ghana.
49 Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Protection Sociale (2017), Arrêté Déterminant la Liste des Travaux Dangereux Interdits
aux Enfants, Arrêté No 2017-017 MEPS/CAB 02 Juin 2017. Accra : Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Protection Sociale.
50 Child Labour Unit of the Labour Department Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare (MESW) (2016), Hazardous
Child Labour Activity Framework for Ghana (HAF). Accra: Child Labour Unit MESW.
51 Government of the Republic of Côte D’ivoire (2017), National Action Plan: Fight Against Trafficking, Exploitation and
Child Labour 2019-2021. Abidjan: Government of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.
61
In Ghana, the National Plan of Action on child labour covers the years 2017-2021.52 It has four
strategic objectives:
1) Strategic Objective 1: Reinforcing public awareness and strengthening advocacy for

improved policy programmes and implementation of child development interventions
2) Strategic Objective 2: Improving capacity, collaboration, coordination and resource
mobilisation for effective implementation of child labour interventions
3) Strategic Objective 3: Effective provision and monitoring of social services and
economic empowerment programmes by local government administrations
4) Strategic Objective 4: Promoting community empowerment and sustainable action
against child labour
As will be seen in Part 2 of this document (covering root causes and gaps regarding child
labour), the issues being addressed in existing plans still require attention, i.e. institutional
strengthening, reduction of socio-economic vulnerability, access to services and infrastructure.
It should be noted that the main focus of this study is children who may be categorised as
in child labour. The definition of “youth” in both countries officially goes up to the age of 35.
This study, however, primarily focuses on youth from the ages of 15 to 18 and 18 to 24. The
age of 24 is linked to education when young people may finish college. This is a practical
age to prioritise with regard to interventions focused on youth as related to child labour. The
age of 24 is also in line with the UNICEF definition of youth. The age of 24 also has more
practical implications for the education and training solutions discussed in Part 3. Finally, and
importantly, a large-scale ILO review of research into hazardous child labour indicates that
the period of growth from 5 to 24 years is a continuum. Within this period children (and young
adults) face a specific range of vulnerabilities that require responses in law and in practice.53
Côte d’Ivoire has a national youth policy covering the period 2016-2020.54 The policy includes
a strong focus on increasing education and training for out-of-school young people.
52 Government of Ghana, UNICEF, ILO and International Cocoa Initiative (December 2017), National Plan of Action:
Towards Achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8.7 (PHASE II (NPA2)): For the Elimination of the Worst Forms
of Child Labour in Ghana (2017 – 2021), Accra: Government of Ghana, UNICEF, ILO and International Cocoa Initiative.
53 ILO (2018), Towards the urgent elimination of Hazardous Child Labour, Geneva: ILO. Page X.
54 Ministère de la Promotion de la Jeunesse, de l’Emploi des Jeunes et du Service Civique (MPJEJSC) (2016),
La Politique Nationale de la Jeunesse et les Stratégies, Abidjan : Ministère de la Promotion de la Jeunesse,
de l’Emploi des Jeunes et du Service Civique.
62
1.4. Key Stakeholders and Approaches

There are many types of direct initiatives in cocoa producing communities in Côte d’Ivoire and
Ghana that are specifically aimed at eliminating child labour. The programmes are mostly
implemented through governments, foundations and networks. The governments of the cocoa
producing countries finance national and local legal and policy framework planning, social
services development and infrastructure that have an impact on child labour. The cocoa
industry, and multilateral and bilateral agencies fund most of the direct community level
initiatives.
Stakeholders interviewed for this study variously estimated that the existing programmes cover
between 10 and 20% of cocoa producing households in the two countries.55 Most company
stakeholder interviewees stressed that the eventual goal of the programmes is to ensure that
all cocoa communities’ supply chains are covered by child labour elimination programmes.
At community level, the efforts of various intervention projects and fair-trade initiatives have
had some results. Awareness raising for behaviour change concerning the risks of child labour
for children’s development and limited economic development has been conducted. Children in,
or at risk of, child labour in cocoa have been identified and assisted. 56 Communities have been
supported with school supplies, adult literacy initiatives for parents, income diversification
activities, voluntary savings and credit schemes, community actions against child labour and
other schemes. Some interventions have also provided support with infrastructure, such as the
building of classrooms.
Evaluations of past projects on child labour in cocoa and other agricultural projects indicate
that the sustainability of these initiatives is not as strong as may be desired.57 The extent to
which community children remain out of child labour will remain unclear unless all actions
are intensified and better coordinated. Poverty, the lack of social services, the urgent need
for more physical infrastructure, such as roads, schools, health centres and child protection
service offices, continue to be limiting factors.
Some of the main groups and types of initiative addressing child labour in cocoa are described
in the remainder of this sub-section.
55 Also as indicated in ICI (2020), ICI Strategy 2021-2026, Geneva: ICI.

56 NORC at the University of Chicago (2020), Assessment of Effectiveness of Cocoa Industry
Interventions in Reducing Child Labor in Cocoa Growing Areas of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Chicago: University of
Chicago.
57 As noted in a range of evaluations studies, including those that the Team Leader of this study conducted and
interviews with specialists during the study. The evaluations are too numerous to all be cited here but are available
from the ILO, ICI, and the United States Department of Labor.
63
1.4.1. OVERVIEW OF REDUCTIONS IN CHILD LABOUR THAT

THE GOVERNMENTS OF CÔTE D’IVOIRE AND GHANA ACHIEVED
To address poverty, the governments of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana have moved their multi-
stakeholder dialogue process forward to improve the producers’ share of the value generated
by cocoa. They contend that a better price for the product in the two countries will, in turn,
enhance the benefits expected to reach small-holder farmers and improve their lives. Minimum
pricing is expected to contribute to ending child labour in cocoa production and to allow
sustainable cocoa production to thrive.
Thus, as producers of a large proportion of the world’s cocoa, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana
promoted a living income differential (LID) of US $400 to be added to the price of cocoa
beans per metric ton in international markets.58 The cocoa industry agreed in June 2019 to
apply the differential. Ghana’s COCOBOD and Cote d’Ivoire’s CCC successfully imposed this
price mechanism to be added to annual increases in prices with the intention that farmers
should earn a living income. This was the first time that such an agreement had been made.
However, there is much debate over the fact that the pricing mechanism is still too low to
reduce poverty and child labour significantly. It should also be noted that the farm gate price is
just one determining factor in farmers’ incomes.
The governments of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana are implementing additional measures using a
wide range of methods anchored in education, child protection and social protection systems.
The child protection system approach, in particular, includes eliminating child labour as one of
its components. Child protection systems also cover such issues as birth registration, abuse,
neglect and exploitation, all of which may be linked to effectively reducing child labour. In
other words, a child may be in child labour and simultaneously be being abused while working
in other ways, including corporal punishment and other forms of violence.
According to key stakeholders interviewed who are very knowledgeable about both countries,
child protection and social protection systems have been more widely implemented in Ghana
than in Côte d’Ivoire so far. However, a lack of funding and other challenges in the enabling
environment mean that, in practice, government programmes do not adequately cover the
cocoa producing areas. In addition, evidence of the effectiveness of some types of social
protection programmes, such as cash transfers to reduce child labour among vulnerable
households, is uneven.59
58 Reuters Ghana (2019), Ivory Coast cocoa floor price seen as small step toward ending child labour.
Available from https://af.reuters.com/article/commoditiesNews/idAFL8N23L3DJ Accessed 10/02/2020.
59 Ravetti, C (2020), The effect of cash transfers on child labour: A review of evidence from rural contexts, ICI.
64
The Côte d’Ivoire Government implements specific child labour programmes by supporting
research, regional labour inspection offices, data collection and monitoring systems. Recently,
police units have also been strengthened to address child labour, including cross-border
trafficking.
The Comité interministériel de lutte contre la traite, l’exploitation et le travail des enfants60
(CIM), is the Côte d’Ivoire government’s main child labour-related supervisory body. The
Ministry of Labour and Social Protection leads the committee. The Ministère de l’Emploi et de
la Protection Sociale61 is the ministry that coordinates the CIM.
As CIM’s name indicates, its mission is to define and ensure the application of national policy
to combat trafficking and child labour exploitation. The CIM is expected to validate, coordinate
and evaluate the various child labour programmes and projects that development partners
and other organisations carry out.
In 2011 the Comité National de Surveillance des Actions de Lutte contre la traite, l’exploitation
et le travail des enfants (CNS) was established.62 The CNS is charged with proposing, initiating
and monitoring the implementation of government projects and programmes on child labour.
The government implements the Système d’Observation et de Suivi du Travail des Enfants
en Côte d’Ivoire (SOSTECI). This system is centred on communities and focuses largely on
collecting, summarising and analysing statistical information on child labour. Its purpose is
to monitor the child labour situation and obtain data to inform planning. The ILO has worked
to strengthen SOSTECI’s functions. The International Cocoa Initiative (ICI) has also provided
technical assistance to SOSTECI, in particular to support the harmonisation SOSTECI and ICI
data tools.
ICI has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the CNS that outlines the roles and
responsibilities for the public and private sectors to work in synergy. However, as will be
discussed in the remainder of the report, and private sector representatives have pointed out
in stakeholder interviews and documentation, there is still much more that needs to be done
to achieve coordination and attain better synergies.
In Ghana, the Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations (MELR) Child Labour Unit
coordinates the National Steering Committee on Child Labour (NSCCL). The NSCCL is responsible
for the overall development, coordination, implementation and supervision of the country’s
current National Plan for the Elimination of Worst Forms of Child Labour (NPA 2). The Human
60 Interministerial Committee to Combat Trafficking, Exploitation and Child Labor.

61 Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Protection Sociale (MEPS).
62 National Committee for Monitoring Actions to Combat Trafficking, Exploitation and Child Labor
65
Trafficking Management Board (HTMB) is the statutory body overseeing the implementation
of human trafficking policy frameworks. This includes internal and cross-border trafficking of
children for labour. The HTMB had been inactive since 2016 but was reconstituted in 2019 and
is currently convening regularly.
United Nations agencies and bodies, such as the ILO, UNICEF, World Bank, FAO and WFP, are
mandated to help the Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire governments attain their development goals.
This includes working with them on developing policy, legal and regulatory frameworks for the
elimination of child labour. Some of these agencies, e.g. the ILO and UNICEF, also implement
direct actions at local level aimed at reducing child labour. As part of the requirements under
its tripartite structure, in addition to working with government, the ILO involves employers’ and
workers’ organisations in its initiatives.
More specifically, the ILO is helping the two governments develop their national decent work
and child labour elimination plans. The ILO has implemented projects on child labour, including
ones focused on child labour in cocoa, in both countries in the past. The ILO’s methods include
community-based child labour identification, withdrawal, monitoring, and prevention of child
labour, as well as other community-based development actions. The actions undertaken are
linked to district and national child labour structures. The ILO’s focus is, further, to promote
decent work for parents and children above minimum age for work as sustainable solutions
for child labour. Lessons learned from many past projects indicate that, where adults work in
decent conditions, it is more likely that their children will not work, or will only work in non-
hazardous conditions.
The ILO is helping the two governments develop their national decent work and child labour
elimination plans. The ILO has implemented projects on child labour, including ones focused on
child labour in cocoa, in both countries in the past. The ILO’s methods include community-based
child labour identification, monitoring, withdrawal and prevention of child labour, as well as
other community-based development actions. The actions undertaken are linked to district and
national child labour structures. The ILO’s focus is, further, to promote decent work for parents
and children above minimum age for work as sustainable solutions for child labour. Lessons
learned from many past projects indicate that, where adults work in decent conditions, it is
more likely that their children will not work, or will only work in non-hazardous conditions.
The ILO is currently also implementing the “Accelerating action for the elimination of child
labour in supply chains in Africa and Impact Bond in Cote d’Ivoire (ACCEL Africa Project) to
address child labour in the cocoa supply chain.63 The Netherlands Government is providing the
funding for the 2018-2022 project.
63 Accelerating action for the elimination of child labour in supply chains in Africa (ACCEL Africa),
Available from https://www.ilo.org/ipec/projects/global/WCMS698536/lang--en/index.htm Accessed 05/05/2020.
66
1.4.2. INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS AND AGENCIES
It should be noted that the list detailed in Section 1.4.2 is not exhaustive. Additional key
stakeholders were mapped. Details are available on request.
The ILO IPEC + Global Flagship Programme – in line with target 8.7 of the 2030 Sustainable
Development Agenda - works, from village (projects) to global level to promote the eradication
of child and forced labour. This includes a special focus on child labour in supply chains
generally and, specifically, in cocoa in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.
UNICEF addresses child labour directly through its support for the building of child protection
systems that address violence, abuse and exploitation, including child labour. UNICEF helps
governments develop national child protection and other development plans to safeguard
children’s rights and wellbeing. As part of this support, UNICEF has also helped develop a case
management system to address violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation of all children. The
case management system is intended to identify children engaged in hazardous work and to
provide support to withdraw affected children through government-led systems. In addition,
UNICEF’s programmes on education, birth registration, health and nutrition and access to
social protection also contribute to reducing child labour.
UNICEF has carried out studies on child labour in cocoa and related subjects which serve as an
evidence base to inform new programmatic approaches and institutional policy (on subjects
such as child rights and business and human rights due diligence). UNICEF has also been
advocating for the development of a PPP to holistically address the root causes of child labour
through an increased focus on prevention and the strengthening of national systems in Cote
d’Ivoire and Ghana.
The World Bank in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana contributes by giving the governments support
with governance and research into the cocoa value chain, including child labour.
It should be added that the FAO, WFP and UNESCO also contribute to reductions in child labour
worldwide. In the case of the FAO, there is a special focus on child labour in agriculture. WFPs
nutrition and, particularly, its school feeding programmes, have an impact on children’s’ well-
being. As discussed in the current report, school feeding is important as a means for increasing
school attendance in locations where child labour is prevalent. UNESCO’s focus on developing
country education systems is, of course, also essential.
The International Cocoa Initiative promotes child protection in cocoa-growing communities

and works to ensure a better future for children and their families. The ICI is a Swiss-based
foundation operating in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana since 2007. It has a multi-stakeholder structure
and works with its partners so that cocoa-growing communities are more protective of children
67
and their rights. ICI’s main partners are the cocoa industry, civil society, farming communities
and national governments. The initiative has supported 742 cocoa-growing communities since
2007. During the period 2015-2020, ICI has directly assisted more than 381,000 children,
exceeding its own target of 375,000 direct beneficiaries for the period. ICI also contributes to
child rights discussions in international forums and in the cocoa producing countries.
ICI’s Child Labour Monitoring and Remediation System (CLMRS) has covered 232 communities
and 214 farming cooperatives in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. The CLMRS approach starts with
facilitators in cocoa-growing communities who raise awareness of child labour, identify cases
and offer remediation actions that ICI implements together with the chocolate company
and cocoa supplier.64 Broader community work includes the development of educational
infrastructure, bridging classes for children who have dropped out of school and school kits
equipped with the necessary teaching materials. Support is also given to obtain birth certificates
for children who are not yet registered so that they can gain entry to secondary education.
Community Service Groups support farmers to acquire affordable adult labour during harvest
season – instead of relying on help from their children. Adult literacy and numeracy classes
also strengthen communities’ resilience to not using child labour. Income Generating Activities
(IGAs) contribute to families’ livelihoods.
ICI’s new strategy for the period 2021-2025 increases its target to cover 25% of the cocoa
supply chain. It also intends to strengthen the efforts of ICI partners to cover the remaining
75% of their supply chain in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. ICI includes a focus on implementing its
tested CLMRS and other approaches on a larger scale. A second pillar of the new strategy is
aimed at strengthening the relevant legal and policy frameworks and their application in the
enabling environment. The third strategic pillar is oriented towards increasing the coordination
and alignment of efforts to eliminate child and forced labour.
At country level, the “Children First in Cocoa Initiative” began and gained momentum in 2020
as part of a PPP strategy and programme. The PPP coalition consists of the Ivorian government,
cocoa and chocolate industry companies and philanthropic partners. The main purpose is to
substantially scale up interventions to reduce child labour in cocoa production. Progress on the
PPP is currently more advanced in Côte d’Ivoire than in Ghana. While the initiative was initially
launched by the private sector and the governments, the ILO and UNICEF have now joined in
the dialogue and the EU has been approached to participate in the discussions.
The Jacobs Foundation had already been established to support education quality improvement
initiatives in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. The participating entities are jointly providing seed funding
for two pooled funding facilities with a target capitalisation of 150 million Swiss Francs. The
64 ICI (2020), Our Work, Available from https://cocoainitiative.org/our-work/our-work/supply-chain/.

68
foundation is advocating for additional stakeholders in order to reach the target capitalisation
for the two facilities.
The facilities are aimed at promoting effective learning and early childhood development in
Côte d’Ivoire. The Child Learning and Education Facility (CLEF) is aimed at reaching five million
children in 10,000 schools with a primary focus on cocoa growing areas.65 The Early Learning
and Nutrition Facility (ELAN), is expected to reach 1.3 million children below the age of 5 and
their caregivers, providing quality services and training in early childhood development and
nutrition.66
International non-governmental organisations that have contributed to the reduction of

child labour in cocoa include CARE, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), the FarmStrong
Foundation, Save the Children, Solidaridad, Winrock International and World Vision. In most
cases their work has either consisted of direct implementation of projects on child labour or
they have included households with child labourers as part of their target group.
Some countries also fund child labour-oriented initiatives with a direct bearing on cocoa.
These include the Netherlands Government, which provides funds for the Fund Against Child
Labour (FBK) and also the above mentioned ACCEL project. The Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend
Nederland (Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) overseas the FBK. Under the FBK, so far 26
companies have received subsidies to join projects aimed at ending child labour, including in
cocoa. The German development cooperation organisation (GiZ) and the Swiss State Secretariat
for Economic Affairs (SECO) are also funding child labour-related projects in cocoa production.
The United States Bureau of International Labor Affairs (USDOL ILAB) works across the
US Administration and with stakeholders to advance efforts to end child labour. It has funded
numerous projects to eliminate child labour. These include several projects that various
agencies in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire have implemented and that partially or fully focus on
ending child labour in cocoa.67 USDOL ILAB has also funded several studies on child labour
statistics to help inform effective programmes to eliminate child labour; these include the
recently published NORC study on child labour prevalence in cocoa production.
65 Jacobs Foundation (2020), CLEF—Child Learning and Education Facility. Available from https://www.Nestlé.com/sites/
default/files/2020-04/2020-clef-factsheet-en.pdf/. Accessed on 28/07/2020. Zurich: Jacobs Foundation.
66 Jacobs Foundation (2020), CLEF and ELAN. Available from https://jacobsfoundation.org/en/activity/clef-
elan/#:~:text=CLEF%20and%20ELAN&text=The%20second%20initiative%2C%20the%20Early,early%20
childhood%20development%20and%20nutrition. Accessed 28/08/2020.
67 E.g. among others by, ICI, ILO, and Winrock International.
69
1.4.2.1. Networks
In addition to the entities that work in the cocoa communities - or fund organisations that do -
there are many other networks and organisations at national and international level that work
towards reducing child labour. Such entities contribute to dialogue on subjects that influence
child labour and environmental sustainability, including discussions and agreements on farm
gate pricing, the living income differential, trade, deforestation and due diligence.
International industry networks include the World Cocoa Foundation (WCF), the International
Cocoa Organization (ICCO), the European Cocoa Association (ECA), and the Federation of Cocoa
Commerce (FCC).
The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) is a network of over 100 members, including cocoa and
chocolate manufacturers, processors, supply chain managers and other companies worldwide,
together representing more than 80% of the global cocoa market. The WCF member
companies committed to CocoaAction include ADM, Barry Callebaut, Blommer, Cargill, Ferrero,
The Hershey Company, Mars, Incorporated, Mondelēz International, Nestlé, and Olam.
The European Cocoa Association (ECA) acts a bridge between the EU and cocoa producing
companies. ECA’s vsion includes the study, research and implementation of adequate solutions
to any matter affecting the industry, the trading and the logistics of the cocoa sector.
CAOBISCO is the Association of Chocolate, Biscuits and Confectionery Industries of Europe

that includes 15 member National Associations as well as direct member companies and
affiliated members.
There are a number of EU nationally based networks which also have strong linkages with
their national government. These include the Dutch Initiative on Sustainable Cocoa (DISCO),
the Swiss Platform for Sustainable Cocoa (SWISSCO), Beyond Chocolate (Belgian), and the
German Initiative on Sustainable Cocoa (GISCO).68 These networks are mostly public private
partnerships that focus on improving conditions of farmers, their families, reducing child
labour and deforestation.
The International Partnership for Cooperation on Child Labour in Agriculture (IPCCLA),

which the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) coordinates, is another important forum for
action in agriculture.
Other types of networks include unions, such as the International Cocoa Farmers and the
International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied
68 Linked to GiZ, the German development aid organisation.
70
Workers’ Associations (IUF), the European Federation of Trade Unions in the Food, Agriculture
and Tourism (EFFAT) and their counterparts in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. In Côte d’Ivoire this
includes the Union Générale des Travailleurs de Côte d’Ivoire (UGTCI). In Ghana the General
Agricultural Workers’ Union of Ghana (GAWU) is a key actor which also has a focus on child
labour. Employers’ organisations in both countries are actively participating in discussions on
the key topics. All of these entities focus on child labour and environmental sustainability in
their programmes.
The Child Labor Cocoa Coordinating Group (CLCCG) is a public-private partnership with the
aim of rooting out abusive labour practices in the cocoa supply chain, including child labour. The
CLCCG was formed after the signing of the Harkin-Engel Protocol and focuses on establishing
partnerships to share knowledge and leverage resources on child labour in Côte d’Ivoire and
Ghana.
IDH - The Sustainable Trade Initiative builds coalitions to address a wide range of cocoa
industry development issues that also cover child labour and sustainability factors.
1.4.2.2. Advocacy organisations
A range of advocacy organisations focus on child labour and environmental sustainability.

They include the Voice Network, which is a global network of NGOs and trade unions working
on sustainability in cocoa with a focus on poverty, deforestation and child labour. Fern, which
is dedicated to achieving greater environmental and social justice, including forests and forest
peoples’ rights, also covers child labour in the policies and practices of the European Union.
Another example is Mighty Earth, which focuses on conserving threatened landscapes and
has a special focus on addressing deforestation linked to cocoa using community involvement.
Others include The Fair Labor Association (FLA), Fair Trade Advocacy Office, Fair Food,
Global March Against Child Labour (Global March), Tropenbos and EcoCare in Ghana.
71
1.5. SUMMARY COUNTRY OVERVIEW
1.5.1. COUNTRY OVERVIEW CÔTE D’IVOIRE
Côte d’Ivoire’s economy has grown rapidly over the last few years.69 The GDP growth rate was
7.4 % in 2018 and 6.9 % in 2019.70 Projections for 2020 are difficult to make because of the
uncertainty in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cocoa represents up to 30% of total GDP71, while 70 to 85% of cocoa farmers’ income is
dependent on cocoa.72
Côte d’Ivoire’s population is almost 26 million, with children under the age of 15 making up
a very high proportion (42%).73 A further 21% of the population are between the ages of
15 and 24.74 The total unemployment rate in the labour force is 3.4%75, with 35% of young
people between the ages of 15 and 35 unemployed.76 Against this background, a development
programme targeting these age groups takes on great importance. Approximately one half of
the population (49.2%) lives in rural areas, while the remainder lives in urban areas (2018).77
In Côte d’Ivoire a high proportion (46.3%) of the population lives below the national poverty
line.78 The country’s HDI rank remains low at 165 out of 189 countries79 putting it in the
low human development category. Inequality also remains high across various categories,
including income and gender inequality.80 The Gini index level, which measures inequality, is
41.5 placing the country among the most unequal. The income share of the lowest 20% of
69 World Bank (2020) Côte d’Ivoire Economic Outlook: Understanding the Challenges of Urbanization in Height Charts.
Available from https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/cotedivoire/publication/cote-divoire-economic-outlook-
understanding-the-challenges-of-urbanization-in-height-charts, Accessed 20 08 2020.
70 World Bank, World Bank Database.
Available from https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG?locations=CI. Accessed 15/08/2020.
71 Capillo, A, Somerville-Large, N (2019), Cocoa Sustainable Livelihoods Landscape Study: Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana,
London: Fairtrade Foundation.
Côte d’Ivoire.
73 United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division (2019). World Population Prospects
2019, Volume II: Demographic Profiles (ST/ESA/SER.A/427). NY: UN.
74 Ibid.
75 World Bank (2020), Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) Côte d’Ivoire. Available from https://data.worldbank.
org/indicator/SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS. Accessed 03/12/2020.
76 World Bank (2020) Côte d’Ivoire Economic Outlook: Understanding the Challenges of Urbanization in Height Charts.
Available from https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/cotedivoire/overview, Accessed 20 08 2020.
77 World Bank, World Bank database. Available from https://data.worldbank.org/topic/urban-development?locations=CI .
Accessed on 23/06/2020.
78 The poverty line in Côte d’Ivoire used was an equivalent of $2.96 per person in 2015. World Bank, (2020), The World
Bank in Côte d’Ivoire. Accessed 15 08 2020. Available from https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/cotedivoire/overview
79 UNDP (2020), Human Development Report 2019: Beyond income, beyond averages, beyond today: Inequalities in
human development in the 21st century. NY: UNDP
80 World Bank, World Bank Database. Available from https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.
KD.ZG?locations=CI. Accessed 15/08/2020.
72
the population is only 5.7% while the top 20% of the population has 47.8%.81 There are also
regional inequalities.82
1.5.1.1. Child poverty
In 2018 a National Multiple Overlapping Deprivations Analysis (MODA)83 was carried out in
Côte d’Ivoire. The analysis indicated that, despite economic growth at 7%, the incidence of
poverty affected 76% of children under 5 years of age. Almost one quarter of children below
that age were deprived in at least three of the six selected measures, while only 12% were not
deprived in any. Conditions for older children are not much better.
Child labour data in cocoa production has been discussed in the introduction. The most recent
Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey in the Côte d’Ivoire was carried out in 2016 and provides
some additional insights.84
The survey indicated that there were improvements in many child well-being indicators but
practices that are harmful to children’s development and low-quality services remain major
challenges. This includes the fact that 31% of children are in child labour and 22% of all
children work under hazardous child labour conditions. The MODA indicated that 75% of
children between the ages of 15 and16 find themselves in a precarious situation in terms of
hazardous work in Côte d’Ivoire.85
Cocoa growing regions are situated in the southern part of the country. It is important to note
that the statistics on which Figure 2 is based includes all forms of child labour and do not
specifically differentiate child labour in cocoa from other types of child labour. It is primarily of
interest because it shows the main areas of Côte d’Ivoire where there is child labour in cocoa
production.
Data from the NORC study86 were collected using different statistical methodologies and only
focused on child labour in cocoa production. It is thus not immediately comparable to the data
in Figure 2.
human development in the 21st century. NY: UNDP.
82 UNDP, Human Development Report 2019. Briefing Note Côte d’Ivoire. NY: UNDP.
83 Ministère du Plan et du Développement, Office National de la Population (2018), Analyse des Privations Multiples des
Enfants en Côte d’Ivoire. Abidjan : Ministère du Plan et du Développement, Office National de la Population.
84 Ministère du Plan et du Développement (2016), La Situation des Femmes et des Enfants en Côte D’ivoire. Enquête
par grappes à indicateurs multiples - Côte d’Ivoire 2016. Abidjan : Ministère du Plan et du Développement, l’Institut
National de la Statistique (INS), UNICEF.
85 As defined in terms of types of child labour that the government has identified as hazardous. This includes many
types of agricultural activities.
73
However, since the NORC study estimated that there are 790,000 children in child labour in
cocoa production in Côte d’Ivoire, it may be roughly inferred from Figure 1 that approximately
one third of child labour is found in cocoa production.
FIGURE 2
Estimated Child Labour Prevalence and Cocoa Areas in Côte d’Ivoire
Estimated Child Labour Prevalence: Cocoa Growing Areas Indicated in Brown
North
48.4%
296 094
~816 355
31.3% North-West
~2.3 million 50.7% Centre-North North-East
203 535 33.1% 45.2%
166 504 150 522
41.3% West Centre

1 579 122 43.3% Centre-West 32.4% Centre-East
337 352 24% 142 749 29%
189 092 56 317
~1.3 million
South
19% 30.6% Abidjan
794 800 South-West 409 344
30%
226 216
250 577
(Adapted from image provided by UNICEF in 2020 and used permission)
Estimates based on data from

1.5.1.2. Administrative
statistics providedstructure
by the Institutand decentralisation
National de la Statistique
Côte d’Ivoire has 14 districts, which include two urban areas (Abidjan and Yamoussoukro). The
districts are divided into 31 regions, 108 préfectures (departments), and 510 sub-prefectures.
These are further divided at the smallest administrative level into 201 communes and more
than 8,000 villages.
At the decentralised level prefects administer the regions, while districts are headed by an
appointed governor. Communes have elected mayors and villages are led by chiefs who are
either appointed or succeed according to local traditions. Within the cocoa producing villages
there may be local sub-chiefs who represent the often-wide variety of ethnic groups that live
in the area, including sub-chiefs of Burkina Faso and Malian origin.
74
While the country has officially been decentralised since 2011 and has a General Directorate of
Decentralisation and Local Development87, in practice, lack of funding at local level means that
effective decentralisation is still challenging. The country primarily relies on “deconcentration”
which means that decision-making and financial budgeting are still primarily at federal level.
A new law has been proposed that includes greater financial control by local authorities and
autonomous districts and their participation in budget orientation debates.88
1.5.1.3. Cocoa pricing along the internal value chain
In 2019, producers received 750 CFA89 per kilo of cocoa beans. The CCC valued internal
transport at 225 CFA and taxes at 275 CFA. This is a comparatively high level of taxation
representing about 40% of the farm gate price per kilo as compared to other cocoa producing
countries.90
As producers of about 60% of the world’s cocoa, in June 2019 Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana
proposed (and the cocoa industry agreed) a minimum price of $2,600 per metric ton for cocoa
beans in international markets. Given the current COVID-19 pandemic, expected pricing for
2020 may be affected, but is difficult to forecast.
1.5.1.4. International migration
During the period 2015-2020, the annual net number of international migrants into Côte
d’Ivoire was estimated at 40,000.91 In 2017 the total number of immigrants residing in Côte
d’Ivoire was estimated at 2.3 million.92 Of these, the vast majority –are from Burkina Faso
(57%) with another large group from Mali (17%). In Côte d’Ivoire there are people who trace
their ancestry from one to several generations back to Burkina Faso and Mali.93 They may
work in cocoa production but lack Côte d’Ivoire citizenship despite how long their family has
lived in the country. Their children often lack proof of birth registration and this can be cited as
a factor affecting child labour when such children are unable to gain entry into school.
87 Direction Générale de la Décentralisation et du Développement Local.

88 Jumelages & Partenariats (2020), Côte d’Ivoire : Harmonisation de la loi sur la
Décentralisation (06/08/2020), Available from https://jumelages-partenariats.com/actualites.
php?n=6169&art=C%C3%B4ted%E2%80%99Ivoire:HarmonisationdelaloisurlaD%C3%A9centralisation.
89 On 28 08 2020, 750 CFA was equal to 1.14 Euro according to xe.com
90 The World Bank (July 2019), Au Pays du Cacao Comment Transformer la Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan: The World Bank.
91 UNDP (2019), World Population Prospects 2019,
Available from https://population.un.org/wpp/Download/Standard/Migration/ Accessed on 23/07/2020.
92 World Bank (2017), Bilateral Migration Matrix 2017, https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/
migrationremittancesdiasporaissues/brief/migration-remittances-data. Accessed on 23/07/2020.
93 Adjami, M. (2016), Statelessness and Nationality in Côte d’Ivoire: A study for UNHCR, Geneva: UNHCR.
75
1.5.1.5. Forced labour
The forced labour statistics for adults in Côte d’Ivoire is estimated as 4.2 per 1,000 cocoa
workers.94 Most of the child labour in cocoa production occurs within the children’s own
families. However, an estimated 1.7 children per 1,000 child labourers in cocoa were forced to
work by someone other than a parent or family member between 2013 and 2017.95
1.5.1.6. Education Côte d’Ivoire
Education is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 16 in Côte d’Ivoire. Almost
190,000 children attended pre-primary education in the country with an almost equal
percentage for boys and girls (girls have a 1% higher attendance rate).96 The net enrolment
rate is 7.8 % in pre-primary education.
Four million children attend primary school, with slightly more boys attending than girls (1.7%
more boys), with a net enrolment of 91.1%.97 There are over 2,100,000 children in general
secondary education with an overall net enrolment rate of 43.4%. Girls have a net enrolment
rate of 39% and boys 48%. Currently, the number of girls in education still tends to decrease
with increasing age. Over 1.2 million children (including adolescents) are out of school, of
which about 55% are girls.
The recent NORC study on child labour prevalence found that school attendance among
children in agricultural households in cocoa growing areas increased from 58 to 80% in Côte
d’Ivoire.98
In fact, the challenges for children between the ages of 12 and 17 to complete education are
very pronounced.99 In Côte d’Ivoire, as an ICI analysis indicates, keeping children in school year
after year is a major challenge as enrolment rates decrease as each year goes by.
Literacy levels remain low. Over two million children and young people between the ages of
15 and 24 are not literate; of this number 57% are girls.100
94 De Buhr, E & Gordon, E (2018) Bitter sweets: prevalence of forced labour and child labour in the cocoa sectors of Côte
d’Ivoire and Ghana. New Orleans & Dalkeith, Western Australia: Tulane University & Walk Free (Minderoo) Foundation.
97 Ibid.
98 Ibid.
99 ICI (2017), Education and Child Labour Risk for Older Children in Côte d’Ivoire, Available from https://cocoainitiative.
org/knowledge-centre-post/education-and-child-labour-risk-for-older-children-in-cote-divoire/ . Accessed 08/08/2020
100 UNESCO (2018), Country Education Statistics Côte d’Ivoire. Available from http://uis.unesco.org/en/country/ci and
http://data.uis.unesco.org/ accessed on 13/07/2020.
76
1.5.2. COUNTRY OVERVIEW GHANA
Ghana’s economic growth rate was estimated at 6.5% for 2019.101 In Ghana, industry is the
largest sector with 34% of GDP, while cocoa represents 1.6% of GDP. 102 Though less than
Ghana’s population is estimated at almost 30 million. Of these, 52% are under the age of
18.103 The rural population comprised of 44% of the total population in 2018.104
FIGURE 3
Map showing the six cocoa growing regions of Ghana
UPPER EAST Bolgatanga

UPPER
WEST REGION
REGION Cocoa growing areas
Wa NORTHERN Country boundary
REGION
Regional boundaries
Tamale
BRONGAHAFO
REGION
Sunyani
ASHANTI
REGION
Ho VOLTA
Kumasi EASTERN REGION
REGION
Koforidua
WESTERN
REGION CENTRAL GT ACCRA
REGION Accra REGION
Cape Coast
Sekondi
Takoradi
101 World Bank, World Bank Database. Available from https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.

KD.ZG?locations=CI. Accessed 15/08/2020.
102 Ghana Statistical Service (2019), Rebased 2013-2018 Annual Gross Domestic Product, Accra: Ghana Statistical
Service.
103 United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Dynamics. (2019), World Population Prospects
2019. Available from https://population.un.org/wpp/Download/Standard/Population/. Accessed 23/07/2020.
104 Trading Economics (2020). Ghana GDP Annual Growth Rate | 2000-2020 Data | 2021-2022 Forecast | Calendar.
Available from https://tradingeconomics.com/ghana/gdp-growth-annual. Accessed 29/06/2020.
77
Approximately 23.4% of the population lives below the poverty line.105 As in Côte d’Ivoire,
poverty means that farmers often lack the resources to hire adult labour. Cocoa is estimated
to account for about two thirds of the estimated 800,000 Ghanaian cocoa farmers’ revenue.106
Ghana has an HDI rank of 142 out of 189 countries107 and is included in the medium human
development category. Although poverty has declined, income inequality, and geographic and
gender inequality continue to pose problems.108
As in Côte d’Ivoire, the Gini index level measuring inequality is high at 43.5.109 The income
share of the lowest 40% of the population is 14.3% while the 10% of the population with the
highest incomes have a 32.2% share.110
Ghana is undertaking steps to develop a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.111
A national baseline assessment serves to identify the state of business and human rights in
Ghana to inform the National Action Plan.
In Ghana cocoa is mostly grown in six regions in the southern half of the country.112
1.5.2.1. Child poverty
A January 2020 report113 provided evidence that 28.2% of all children under 17 years of age
in Ghana live in poverty. Child poverty has a much higher prevalence in rural areas (44.5%)
than in urban (9.8%). Poverty is exacerbated in households with lower incomes as they are
particularly vulnerable when they face health or other challenges in the absence of sufficient
105 Ibid.
106 ICI (2017), Cocoa Farmers in Ghana Experience Poverty and Economic Vulnerability. Available from
https://cocoainitiative.org/news-media-post/cocoa-farmers-in-ghana-experience-poverty-and-economic-
vulnerability/#:~:text=800%2C000%20small%20scale%20cocoa%20farmers,%240.40%2D%240.45%20on%-
20cocoa. Accessed 15/06/2020.
human development in the 21st century. NY: UNDP.
108 AllAfrica (2019), Ghana: ‘Inequality Remains Challenge in Ghana, Available from https://allafrica.com/
stories/201908230575.html. Accessed 15 08 2020. UNDP (2020), Human Development Report 2019: Beyond
income, beyond averages, beyond today: Inequalities in human development in the 21st century. NY: UNDP. Tanaka,
T., Nuamah, C., Geiger, M. (2018), Ghana’s challenges: Widening regional inequality and natural resource depreciation,
Available from: https://blogs.worldbank.org/africacan/ghanas-challenges-widening-regional-inequality-and-natural-
resource-depreciation. Accessed 20/06/2020.
human development in the 21st century. NY: UNDP
110 Ibid.
111 Faracik, B. (2017), Study: Implementation of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, Brussels:
Directorate-General for External Policies, Policy Department.
112 Map from Amegashie-Duvon, E. (COCOBOD) (2014), Ghana’s Sustainability Standards, Certification and Director
Dialogue: Producers & Industry, Meeting, Zurich: ICCO (Slide 2).
113 National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Statistical Service, UNICEF (2020), Accra Multi-Dimensional Child
Poverty in Ghana. Accra: NDPC.
78
and suitable safety nets. The study indicated that a stunning 73.4% of children have been
identified as multi-dimensionally poor. That is, they are deprived in several out of eight core
dimensions of their lives: nutrition, health, learning and development, child protection, water,
sanitation, housing and information.114
In poorer households there is an inverse relationship between the low educational attainment
of parents or household heads, and the high multi-dimensional poverty rates across all
age groups. These deprivations and high poverty levels make children extremely vulnerable
and consequently they are victims of being engaged in the worst forms of child labour. The
description of child poverty in Ghana is common to many West African countries, including
Côte d’Ivoire.
1.5.2.2. Administrative structure and decentralisation
Ghana’s administrative divisions comprise of four geographic plains and 16 regions. The

regions are divided into 212 districts, including 151 ordinary districts, 55 municipal districts
and six metropolitan districts. These are further sub-divided into town or area councils, and
zonal and area councils. The smallest administrative level consists of 16,000 unit committees.
Though Ghana has been committed to decentralisation since the passing of the Local
Governance Act in 1993, it was only in 2009 that the country began to devolve functions and
responsibilities from the central government to local level. Agriculture was one of the first
sectors to be transferred.115 The ultimate goal of devolution is to decentralise authority in
fiscal, administrative and political decision making to local levels. Devolution is thus a more
comprehensive form of decentralisation than the deconcentration approach of Côte d’Ivoire.
As in Côte d’Ivoire, however, financial constraints result in challenges for adequate service
delivery and staffing of offices, especially at the local level.116
1.5.2.3. Cocoa pricing along the internal value chain
For decades the Ghana Cocoa Board’s pricing policy has been to pass on a higher share of
the Free-on-Board (FOB) price of up to 70-75% to the producer117. The fixed producer price
at the beginning of the new season means that, for that whole year, farmers earn the set
fixed amount from all Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs). Farmers under certain certification
114 Ibid.
115 Resnick, D. (2018), The Devolution Revolution: Implications for Agricultural Service Delivery in Ghana, Washington, D.C.:
International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
116 Ibid.
117 Ayenor, G. K. (2006). Capsid control for organic cocoa production in Ghana: results of participatory learning and action
research. PhD Thesis. Wageningen University. Wageningen 159pp
79
programmes may also receive an additional premium for quality and other related brand or
label criteria. The remaining 25-30% of the net FoB price is used to cover specific costs. These
include the margin of the LBCs; crop financing; haulage; storage; shipping; disinfection; grading;
inspection to maintain quality beans and Cocobod and/or government revenue118 Taxes are
included in the state’s revenue. Under the “net FoB price” certain operational costs, including
dealing with pests and diseases, and fertilizer application, are also deducted.
1.5.2.4. International migration
During the period 2015-2020, the annual net number of international migrants into Ghana was
estimated at 40,000.119 The total number of international migrants in Ghana is approximately
530,000.120 Of these, about 17% are of Burkina Faso origin, while 15% are from Mali. Most
of the child migrant workers in Ghana come from the northern regions of the country.121 It
is through the country’s northern border that most of the child labourers from Burkina Faso
pass.122
1.5.2.5. Forced labour
As in Côte d’Ivoire, most child labour in cocoa production occurs within the children’s own
families. However, an average of 20 children per 1,000 children working in cocoa were forced
to work by someone other than a parent or family member between 2013 and 2017.123
1.5.2.6. Education in Ghana
Education in Ghana is compulsory between the ages of 4 and 15. In primary school, the net
enrolment percentage of children was 87% in 2019. Girls’ net enrolment stood at 87% and
boys’ at 86%, representing near gender parity.124
In secondary school there is a net enrolment of 57%.125 Though gender parity is good, inequities
do exist at regional level and may depend on the locality. The effect of income inequalities is
118 Bymolt, R., Laven, A., Tyszler. M. (2018). Demystifying the cocoa sector in Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire. Cocoa marketing
and prices. The Royal Tropical Institute (KIT).
119 UNDP (2019), World Population Prospects 2019, Available from https://population.un.org/wpp/Download/Standard/
Migration/ Accessed on 23/07/2020.
120 World Bank (2017), Bilateral Migration Matrix 2017, https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/
migrationremittancesdiasporaissues/brief/migration-remittances-data. Accessed on 23/07/2020.
121 Massart, G. (2012), A Study of Child Mobility and Migrant Flows to the Cocoa-Producing Communities in Ghana,
Geneva: ICI.
122 Ibid.
124 World Bank (2019), Education Data, Available from
https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SE.PRM.TENR.MA?locations=GH . Accessed 24/08/2020.
125 Ibid.
80
very strong with students from the poorest quintile being five to six times less likely to access
secondary high school. It should be noted, however, that, due to school dropout, an average of
only 54% of the children complete the lower secondary level.
Over 450,000 children are out of school, though the government reports that most of these
are in the northern, non-cocoa producing areas.126 The government’s analysis attributes this
problem largely due to a shortage of classrooms. The introduction of a double track system,
under which students attend school in shifts to maximise the use of available classrooms has,
however, created more space for higher enrolment and access since 2018.
In Ghana, school attendance among children in agricultural households in cocoa growing areas
increased from 89 to 96% between 2008-09 and 2018-19.127
The literacy rate for persons over the age of 15 in Ghana in 2018 was 79%.128 Men are more
likely to be literate at 84% while women have a literacy rate of 74%. However, statistics for
young people between the ages of 15 and 24 are more positive, with an overall literacy rate
of 92%. Gender parity has been almost achieved with a difference of less than 1% between
females and males.
126 Ministry of Education Ghana, (2018), Education Sector Analysis, Accra: Ministry of Education Ghana.
128 World Bank (2018), Literacy Data, Available from https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SE.ADT.LITR.ZS?locations=GH.
81
PART 2
Root causes of child labour and
implementation gaps to be addressed
The causes of child labour are multifaceted and solutions need to be well integrated in order
to achieve real impact.
FIGURE 4 – Summary of Root Causes of Child Labour and Gaps to be Addressed
Reducing Child Labour in Côte d’Ivoire & Ghana
Key Challenges
Need for increased in comes through cocoa

Poverty pricing, diversification of income sources,
Reduction strengthening voice
Weak planning of comprehensive child labour

initiatives embedded in local development
Governance & Access,

Insufficient access to quality education &
Local Service Provision
other social services, enforcement of legal
frameworks, quality physical infrastructure,
capacities to reduce deforestation
Coordination of Limited comprehensive coordination

Contributions to Eliminate at international, national and
Child Labour decentralised levels
Need to increase coverage and ensure well

Due diligence and audited traceability certifying that there is no
traceability child labour at individual farm level
Gender issues, youth, trafficked persons

Social Inclusion and migrants, people with or affected
by HIV and/or disabilities, the elderly
Inter-relationship between socio-

Socio-cultural attitudes, culturalpractices, poverty, lack of quality
customs and practices education and other services
82
While poverty is certainly a core issue, research has shown that systemic inadequacies in the
enabling environment, especially at local level, strongly influence the prevalence of poverty
and, consequently, child labour. The weak enabling environment also has an impact on the
results of child labour elimination initiatives, since it constrains their effectiveness, efficiency
and long-term sustainability.
The stakeholders interviewed for this study are mostly in agreement concerning the root
causes of child labour and the gaps that need to be addressed. While at the beginning of the
research there were still some divergent views among the stakeholders, discussions at country
level during exchanges on the Children First in Cocoa PPP helped to consolidate and align
opinions on the main issues. A clearer view of the position was made possible by speaking
with certain key stakeholders more than once.
Of course, a great deal of research had also been undertaken to identify the challenges, so
there was no doubt where the causes lay. Nevertheless, certain factors became clearer and
more prominent as the study progressed. As will be seen below in Part 2, straightforward root
causes, such as poverty, cannot be viewed in isolation from the gaps in the local and wider
enabling environment.
2.1. POVERTY AND RELATED PRODUCTION

CHALLENGES
Poverty:
Low cocoa income, lack of diversified income

sources, weakly organised voice of farmers
Many interviewees and a great deal of research have cited poverty as a main cause of child
labour and vice-versa. This is the reason why some stakeholders believe that, if poverty is not
addressed, the issue of child labour cannot be significantly reduced nor eliminated. However,
poverty is a multi-dimensional issue and the solution is not as simple as just increasing the
farm gate price of cocoa.129 A decent and acceptable price is a necessary but not a sufficient
condition to address child labour.
129 As also indicated in FUNDAMENTALS, ILO Regional Office for Africa (2017), Meta-Analysis of Evaluations on ILO Child
Labour Programmes and Projects in Africa 2009-2014, Geneva: ILO.
83
The need to increase cocoa farmers’ earnings is no longer in dispute. However, while monetary
increases are relevant, price increases alone are not sufficient to fully address poverty and
reduce child labour. Together with improved living incomes for smallholders, cocoa farmers
need to be able to access essential goods and adequate services. These include access to
quality agricultural inputs, education, health, child and social protection services. The availability
of quality and accessible basic infrastructure, especially roads, schools, water and sanitation
are also paramount.
Despite the efforts undertaken, the general impact of existing and previous child labour
initiatives to reduce poverty has been evaluated as low.130 Providing additional amounts on top
of basic payments for cocoa are good attempts. However, several stakeholders interviewed
insisted that the sums paid are still far from adequate compensation for the labour-intensive
nature of producing quality cocoa beans. Some interviewees even insisted that, for real change
in poverty to occur, the price should be increased 3-4-fold.
The linkage between poverty and child labour is further evident because, to reduce overall
production costs, farmers resort to reducing their labour costs. As a result, farmers rely on child
labour since children’s work is usually free if they are a member of the household. Multiple
interviewees and documents also indicate that children who do not work in their own family
household receive only very minimal payment.
The NORC study indicated that the cost of access to public services such as education is also
linked to poverty.131 In particular regarding the cost of children’s education related materials
and supplies.
Smallholder farmers produce nearly all cocoa beans exported from Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire.
The average size of a cocoa farm in Côte d’Ivoire is about eight hectares.132 The average size
of a cocoa farm in Ghana is smaller than in Côte d’Ivoire with an average size of just over four
hectares.133 At the micro or individual level, average farm plot sizes are becoming smaller.134
Having small plots dispersed across different locations contributes to low levels of economies
130 As noted in a wide range of evaluation reports on child labour reduction initiatives. For example, in one meta-analysis
of projects, it was observed that it takes substantial time and effort—at least two years of project interventions—
to have a measurable impact on poverty. FUNDAMENTALS, ILO Regional Office for Africa (2017), Meta-Analysis of
Evaluations on ILO Child Labour Programmes and Projects in Africa 2009-2014, Geneva: ILO. Page 17.
132 Based on the research sample of the farms included in the study of Buhr, E & Gordon, E (2018) Bitter sweets:
prevalence of forced labour and child labour in the cocoa sectors of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. New Orleans & Dalkeith,
Western Australia: Tulane University & Walk Free (Minderoo) Foundation.
133 Ibid.
134 Bugri, J. T., and Eric Yeboah, E. (2017), Understanding Changing Land Access and Use by the Rural Poor in Ghana,
London: International Institute for Environment and Development.
84
of scale and lower returns on investments.135 The average household size of cocoa producers
in Côte d’Ivoire is 7.2 and 5.6 in Ghana.136
The current situation of cocoa farmers is incomparable to that of the early 1950s-1960s when
cocoa farms were viewed as valuable assets to be passed on to next generations. Today, the
real value of cocoa farms has depreciated beyond recognition with few young people aspiring
to becoming cocoa farmers.
Smallholder farmers who produce cocoa as their main source of livelihood are often poorly
resourced in terms of money and material inputs. Other factors are ageing cocoa trees137, soil
degradation and plant diseases and pests, such as capsids, black pod and cocoa swollen shoot
virus (CSSV). Additional issues include the failure to apply the findings of cocoa research in
the form of good agricultural practices;138 intensive labour requirements and the cost of the
same; low and/or fluctuating international prices of cocoa; and lack of access to affordable
credit.139 Most small-holder farmers are part of the informal economy, in which they tend to
be excluded from labour legislation with no or limited access to social protection.140 All these
factors contribute to the poverty suffered by cocoa farmers.
Given the overall descriptive analysis of smallholder cocoa farmers, it is no surprise they are
classified as poor. Poverty in this context can be measured in two ways: (i) monetary poverty,
based on household income or consumption, and (ii) deprivation, or the extent to which
individuals have access to basic goods and services necessary for their survival, development
and general well-being.141
As the World Economic Forum has reported, chocolate is a global US $130 billion industry with
a disproportionately low share of earnings for farmers.142
135 Smaller farms have lower returns on investments. Steijn, C. (2018), Demystifying the cocoa sector in Côte d’Ivoire and
Ghana- Desk Research, Amsterdam: Royal Tropical Institute (KIT)
136 Female headed households are slight smaller with 5.13 persons as compared to typical male headed households at
5.91. Buhr, E & Gordon, E (2018) Bitter sweets: prevalence of forced labour and child labour in the cocoa sectors of
Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.
137 Cocoa trees become productive after about 3-5 years and may remain productive for up to 30 years if well cared for.
138 Ayenor, G. K. (2006). Capsid control for organic cocoa production in Ghana: results of participatory learning and action
research. PhD Thesis. Wageningen University. Wageningen 159pp.
139 Asamoah, M. F. Aneani, S, Ofori, P. F. Branor (2015). Analysis of Farmers Adoption Behaviour of CRIG Recommended
Technologies as a Package: The Case of Some Self-Help Cocoa Farmer Associations in the Eastern Region of Ghana.
CRIG. Scientific Research Publishing Inc.: Available in: https://www.scirp.org/html/3-300110457598.htm
140 WFP (2013). Profile of smallholder farmers in Ghana. Agricultural Extension Department, Legon Accra: University of
Ghana.
141 National Planning Development Commission and Ministry of Planning (NDPC) (2019). 2019 Inclusive development
forum and high-level dialogue – Consolidated Report. Accra: NDPC and Ministry of Planning in collaboration with the
UNICEF.
142 World Economic Forum (2020), Cocoa’s Bittersweet Supply Chain. Available from https://www.weforum.org/
agenda/2020/11/cocoa-chocolate-supply-chain-business-bar-africa-exports/. Accessed 15/11/2020. Figure was made
available for non-commercial use.
85
Each Stakeholder’s
FIGURE Share
5 – Stakeholders’ in the
Share Cocoa
in the Supply
Cocoa Chain
Supply Chain
Manufacturers
35.2%
Retailers
44.2%
Processing Farmers Marketing
While retailers eat

7.6% 6.6% 4.2%
into a majority of
earnings from cocoa
sales, farmers Port of
are among arrival Inland International International
costs transport traders transport
the lowest earners.
1.1% 0.5% 0.2% 0.3%
Per tonne of sold cocoa. Source: Financial Times.
Stakeholder share – Image: Visual Capitalist
Figure 6 below 143 also shows the facts about the immense contribution three West African
countries to the global cocoa market in stark detail. Here again, the figure makes clear that
farmers and growers only receive a small portion of the global value, representing between 4
and 6%.
FIGURE 6 – Contributions to the Cocoa Value Chain
3 COUNTRIES REPRESENT GLOBAL COCOA

68% OF GLOBAL COCOA SUPPLY MARKET
4%
Cocoa production 3.4 to 6%
(in millions of tonnes)
Total
15% Chocolate production and
Côte 2.2 retail (including VAT)
d´Ivoire
100bn Trading, logistics and
1.7 euros cocoa-growing country tax
1.2 0.9 Farmers and growers

Ghana
75%
Nigeria
0.3
0.33
0.16
2002-2003 2019-2020 Source: International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO)
143 Used with permission from ICCO. Graphic published in The Africa Report (2020), Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire taste success
in raising price of cocoa, Available from https://www.theafricareport.com/40945/ghana-and-cote-divoire-taste-
success-in-raising-price-of-cocoa/ Accessed 15/08/2020.
86
Undoubtedly, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana are the world’s top two cocoa producers. Together with
Nigeria (which ranks fifth behind Ecuador and Cameroon), the three West African Countries
produce 68% of the global cocoa supply. Indeed, 3.4 million tons out of the worldwide total
of 5 million tons harvested in the 2019-2020 season were produced by these three West
African countries. However, these three ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African
States) countries combined obtained only between 4% and 6% of the global revenue from
the chocolate industry, which is estimated at over 100 billion euros. Hence, the argument and
clamour for a respectable living income for the cocoa farmers in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
2.1.1. MEASURES TO INCREASE INCOMES THROUGH PRICING
Many stakeholders consulted during this study were of the view that the increased financial
amount provided through the Living Income Differential (LID) of $400 per metric ton (MT) and
an overall minimum price of $2,600 per MT on all cocoa sales from 2020-2021 is just a start
to reducing poverty. Several interviewees stated that, for real impact, farmers’ current income
from cocoa should be increased by a substantially greater amount. Indeed, some interviewees
said increases of at least 3 times the level of current prices are needed, while others said it
should be at least 4-fold. Several people also expressed the belief that challenges still remain
to ensuring that increases in prices and/or LID premium actually reaches the farmers. They
noted their concern about increases being funnelled away from farmers to other in-country
actors who are higher up the value chain.
Analyses that key advocacy stakeholders carried out questioned whether the price increases
and additional payments (premiums) currently being offered will be able to bridge the gap
and meet actual living income needs.144 Many variables needed to be considered, which made
the research difficult. The challenges identified to achieving a living income included limited
access to local services of all types, including farm inputs. Other factors identified were the
high number of household members, the remoteness of farms and other factors.145 In-depth
analysis estimated that only 6.9% of male-headed households in cocoa growing areas in Côte
d’Ivoire achieved the Living Income Benchmark.146 The Living Income Benchmark in rural cocoa
growing areas of Côte d’Ivoire is estimated to be CFA 3,759,281 (USD 6,517) per year for a
144 Fountain, A.C. and Hütz-Adams, F. (January 2020), Necessary Farm Gate Prices for a Living Income: Existing
Living Income Reference Prices are Too Low, Amsterdam: Cocoa Barometer Consortium administered by VOICE
Network.
145 Tyszler M., Bymolt R. and Laven A. (November 2018), Analysis of the Income Gap of Cocoa Producing Households in
Ghana: Comparison of Actual Incomes with the Living Income Benchmark, Amsterdam: KIT Royal Tropical Institute.
Tyszler, M., Bymolt, R. & Laven, A. (2019), Analysis of the Income Gap of Cocoa Producing Households in Côte d’Ivoire:
Comparison of actual incomes with the Living Income Benchmark, Amsterdam: KIT Royal Tropical Institute.
146 The sample size of typical female-headed households was deemed analytically too small to assess and compare to
male headed households. Tyszler, M., Bymolt, R. & Laven, A. (2019), Analysis of the Income Gap of Cocoa Producing
Households in Côte d’Ivoire: Comparison of actual incomes with the Living Income Benchmark, Amsterdam: KIT Royal
Tropical Institute.
87
typical male-headed household (with up to 4 ha of productive land) comprising 3.5 adults and
3.5 children. A benchmark for female-headed households was not available. 147
In Ghana only 9.4% of typical male- and female-headed households achieved the Living
Income Benchmark in 2018.148 The Ghana study estimated a Living Income Benchmark in
rural cocoa growing areas of GHS 21,100 (USD 4,742) per year for a typical male-headed
household (with up to 4 ha of productive land) comprising 3.5 adults and 2.5 children. Female-
headed households of three adults and two children were estimated to have a Benchmark of
GHS 17,806 (USD 4,001) per year.
What is evident is that incomes need to be increased substantially, whether from cocoa and/or
other sources, to ensure that farmers can escape poverty. Farmers must also earn sufficiently
well to hire and provide decent work to adult labourers as and when needed, instead of relying
on child labour.
Ghana with permission © International Cocoa Initiative
The plight of smallholder cocoa farmers is made worse by their very conservative nature.149
A review of the literature indicates that old and deep-rooted outlook dominates the thinking
of many smallholder farmers in West Africa. This affects their ability to integrate new
technologies and follow innovative pathways to improve some of their inefficient production
methods.150 Most stick with repeating old agricultural practices without, or with very limited,
application of basic mechanisation to reduce drudgery and labour-intensive activities, such
147 Ibid.
148 There was no significant difference between male and female headed households. Tyszler M., Bymolt R. and Laven
A. (November 2018), Analysis of the Income Gap of Cocoa Producing Households in Ghana: Comparison of Actual
Incomes with the Living Income Benchmark, Amsterdam: KIT Royal Tropical Institute.
149 Buama, M. et.al. (2018), Technical business services for cocoa farmers: Concepts developed and experience from
in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Togo, Bonn: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. Also
based on the decades of personal experience of one of the current research team members working with farmers in
Ghana.
150 Ibid.
88
as harvesting. They remain rain-dependent farmers, making little use of irrigation and other
available technologies. Indeed, it is only recently that the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana
(CRIG) has been testing and deploying some new technologies, such as the use of drip irrigation
in cocoa.151
Several stakeholders stressed that any substantial rises in prices need to be accompanied by
means to ensure that producers do not increase production by expanding into new locations.
Higher prices could stimulate farmers to start working in new areas, which may mean increased
deforestation.
2.1.2. LACK OF DIVERSIFICATION OF INCOME SOURCES
Although cocoa is the main source of income for farmers in cocoa producing areas, many also
obtain income from other sources. This reduces the risks from the failure of cocoa production
due to environmental or other shocks. There are also cases where farmers are not able to
grow sufficient cocoa to meet their income needs, thus leading them intentionally to diversify
their income generating activities. Various child labour reduction initiatives also include the
development of economic activities other than those reliant on cocoa.
Farmers in the two countries practise diversification by default because of their mixed cropping
farming system. Very few systematically, consciously and purposefully diversify.
Research in Ghana indicates that 83% of cocoa farmers already have an income from other
crops. Cocoa households in that country earn an average 61% of their income from cocoa,
with a further 20% coming from the sale of other crops.152 In Côte d’Ivoire farmers reported
that they receive 66% of their income from cocoa and a further 24% from the sale of other
crops. In that country a lower proportion of respondent households reported additional income
from a small business or trading than in Ghana, with 21% engaging in a small business or
trading.153 About half of all respondents in Ghana reported that someone in the household was
earning income from a small business or trading.154
Without serious attention and a multi-sectoral approach to addressing child labour, it is very
likely that child labour will simply be shifted away from cocoa to the new income-generating
opportunities opened up through diversification. Indeed, it has been observed that farmers
151 B&FT Online (2020), MEDA hands over automated Drip Irrigation Schemes to COCOBOD, Available from
https://thebftonline.com/27/08/2020/meda-hands-over-automated-drip-irrigation-schemes-to-cocobod/ Accessed
28/08/2020.
152 Bymolt, R., Laven, A., Tyszler, M. (2018). Demystifying the cocoa sector in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Chapter 12,
Household income, poverty and wealth. The Royal Tropical Institute (KIT).
153 Ibid.
154 Ibid.
89
who diversify tend to have greater labour needs, and thus resort to having their children fill
their labour demand gaps155. This risk of shifting child labour in a bid to diversify as a means
of addressing poverty could be further fuelled by lack of easy access to the credit facilities
needed to pay for adult labour and meet other costs. Low-income and petty trade smallholder-
investors who diversify are more likely to use child labour, which is illegal but cheaper.
2.1.3. WEAK FARMER BASED ORGANIZATIONS (FBOS) AND VOICE
There are other factors that make cocoa farmers even more vulnerable and the weakest
actors in the cocoa value chain. They include a lack of strong, farmer-based organisations
(FBOs), normally made up of cooperatives, which can provide farmers with the required
counterbalance and bargaining power on key decisions that affect them. The existence of
weak farmer organisations also makes it more difficult to organise and provide the quantity
and quality of services that smallholder farmers required. Channelling child labour elimination
initiatives in collaboration with FBOs is more challenging when FBO capacities are low.
The net effect is that cocoa farmers have become “price takers”. Though they are the majority
group in the cocoa commodity value chain - over two million in both countries - they lack a
voice, institutional presence and organisational capacity.
Many of the FBOs that are registered are not recognised or visible, mostly because they have
not yet received the support that they need to organise themselves. Others FBOs are not yet
registered, and there are many farmers who are not members of any FBO. Thus, the lack of
formal organisation means that farmers have limited ability to make demands on government,
industry actors, NGOs, CSO and donors. They are ill-positioned to attract development services.
Cooperatives in Côte d’Ivoire are more common and active than in Ghana but still face many
challenges. They tend to have management challenges. These include having insufficient
financial reserves to cover costs, difficulties in recovering costs, and legally registering
members.156 Additional problems include lack of credit to buy new trucks to source greater
volumes from farmers in more remote areas.157 Fortunately, the International Finance
Corporation (IFC) and Cargill have provided affordable credit to farmer cooperatives to address
this problem but other challenges relating to the financing of operational costs still persist.
Many cooperatives also have low numbers of women and young people as members; this
155 Owusu-Amankwah, R. (2015). Certification, Child labour and Livelihood Strategies: An analysis of cocoa production in
Ghana, Wageningen: PhD Thesis Wageningen University.
156 GEFAK mbH (2016), Study on the state of farmer cooperatives in the cocoa sector of Côte d‘Ivoire, Marburg:
GEFAK mbH.
157 International Finance Corporation (2020), Sweetening Prospects for Ivoirian Cocoa Co-Ops, Available from
https://www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/newsextcontent/ifcexternalcorporatesite/news+and+events/news/impact-stories/
affordable-credit-for-ivoirian-cocoa-co-ops Accessed 23 09 2020.
90
is due, in part, to low levels of outreach encouraging women and young people to join. 158
Some FBOs also require that members show land ownership certificates so they can join the
organisation and women and young people are less likely to have such documents. 159
FBOs in Ghana also have management difficulties.160 In addition, few are able to provide
their members with cost-saving opportunities. However, motivating farmers to form FBOs is
not always successful, as research on 500 Ghanaian FBOs has indicated.161 While external
incentives, such as those that projects offer to encourage farmers to organise, did result in
increased organisation, the functioning of the FBOs created was generally low.162 This means
that any interventions to stimulate farmers to organise need carefully to determine the best
way of achieving that end.
Existing - and new - FBOs need to improve their technical and management capacities to
ensure accountability, transparency and enhanced internal democratic governance systems.
2.1.4. COMPLEXITY OF POVERTY AS A CAUSE OF CHILD LABOUR
The challenges associated with child labour and poverty in cocoa and other sectors are complex
and intrinsically interrelated. This is why the challenge of reducing child labour remains
daunting. It is for the same reason that, despite the appreciable efforts and investments
made over the last two decades, stakeholders are only just beginning to understand that a
combination of other factors affect poverty in addition to low income from cocoa.
Other poverty-related issues include the challenges around human trafficking, forced labour
and the internal migration of tenant farmers. Research has indicated that adult forced labour
in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana is not very high and is primarily limited to recent migrants into the
cocoa growing areas.163 Where farmers work as tenants, they pay the landowners in the form
of a share of the crop which varies according to location and local agreements.
158 GEFAK mbH (2016), Study on the state of farmer cooperatives in the cocoa sector of Côte d‘Ivoire, Marburg:
GEFAK mbH.
159 Ibid.
160 Francesconi, G.N. & Wouterse, F. (2015), The Health of Farmer-Based Organisations in Ghana: Organisational
Diagnostics and Governance Implications, March 2015.Journal of Development Studies 51(3):262-273.
161 Ibid.
162 This finding is also in line with research carried out in other countries. Francesconi, G.N. & Wouterse, F. (2015), The
Health of Farmer-Based Organisations in Ghana: Organisational Diagnostics and Governance Implications, March
2015.Journal of Development Studies 51(3):262-273.
Verité (February 2019), Assessment of Forced Labor Risk in the Cocoa Sector of Côte d’Ivoire, Amherst: Verité.
91
There is insufficient quality data relating to agricultural production methods. The lack of access
to decent work for adults, further influences poverty as accidents and work-related illnesses
also lead to health care costs.
2.2. Governance and access to decentralised

service provision
Governance & Access to Local Service Provision:
• Weak planning of comprehensive child labour initiatives

embedded in local development
• Weak enforcement of legal frameworks
• Inadequate access to quality education & other
services, capacities to reduce deforestation
• Lack of sufficient quality physical infrastructures
As discussed in Section 1.5, decentralisation has not yet been fully achieved in either Côte
d’Ivoire or Ghana. The lack of resources at local level strongly impacts the availability of
sufficient education and other forms of social services as well as adequate quality physical
infrastructure. All of these factors influence the prevalence of child labour. Note that, in Côte
d’Ivoire, local level most commonly refers to “sous-préfecture”, while in Ghana local level
means the districts.
2.2.1. LIMITED ACCESS TO QUALITY FORMAL GENERAL EDUCATION
In early childhood, primary, junior secondary and senior secondary schools, the quality of
education tends to be low in cocoa producing areas, especially in the case of very remote
localities.164 This situation impedes the successful reduction of child labour.
The stakeholders interviewed were unanimous in attributing lack of access to education, poor
quality education and an absence of choice in types of education as contributing factors to the
prevalence of child labour.165 According to stakeholders in both producer countries, the lack of
164 Challenges regarding physical school infrastructure have already been covered in the preceding Section.
See statistics on education attendance in Section 2.5.
165 Also, experience in many countries with child labour indicates that there is a relationship between low quality
of education and higher levels of child labour. ILO (2017), Ending child labour by 2025: A review of policies and
programmes, Geneva: International Labour Organization. FAO (June 2020), FAO Framework on Ending Child Labour in
Agriculture, Rome: FAO.
92
trained teachers and poor teaching in many

localities discourage parents from sending
their children to school.166 This is particularly
true, if it is not apparent to parents that what
their children will learn will contribute to a
better life for their children and the family.
The recent NORC study on child labour

reviewed whether children’s work in cocoa
producing areas of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana
interfered with their education.167 The
study found that the proportion of children Ghana with permission © International Cocoa Initiative
reporting that child labour in cocoa interfered
with their schooling increased significantly from 5% in 2008/09 to 13% in 2018/19.168 In Côte
d’Ivoire, the proportion of children reporting that work interfered with schooling increased by
3 percentage points, while the proportion of Ghanaian children reporting the same increased
by 13 percentage points.
It should be noted that perceptions of education quality can differ depending on the situation.
A study carried out for the ICI169 in Côte d’Ivoire, for example, showed correlations between
easily observable factors related to education and levels of child labour in a community. The
study focused on such factors as school feeding, class size and the available WASH facilities
but did not include factors, such as the quality of teaching and learning. However, the evidence
that would allow direct identification of the reasons for these correlations is insufficient. The
exact details on the weight of different factors that contribute to the quality of education
needs more research.
Overall, the quality of learning in education in Côte d’Ivoire is low and many children have
to repeat a year.170 Given the poor school infrastructure, lack of housing for teachers and the
remoteness of many cocoa producing areas, it is especially difficult to attract trained teachers.
There were over 330,000 primary school children in Côte d’Ivoire who had to repeat a year
166 E.g., ILAB USDOL (2019), Child Labor and Forced Labor Report 2018 Ghana, Washington, D.C.: ILAB USDOL. Thorsen, D.
(2012), Children Working in the Urban Informal Economy: Evidence from West and Central Africa, Dakar: UNICEF West
and Central Africa Regional Office.
167 That is if children are absent in school due to having to work, because of work-related injuries, and/or fatigue from
work. NORC at the University of Chicago (2020), Assessing Progress in Reducing Child Labor in Cocoa Production in
Cocoa Growing Areas of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Chicago: University of Chicago.
168 Ibid.
169 Brüderle, A. (June 2019), Education quality and child labour: Evidence from cocoa-growing communities in Côte
d’Ivoire and Ghana, Geneva: International Cocoa Initiative.
170 Ministère de l’Éducation Nationale, de l’Enseignement Technique et de la Formation Professionnelle (MENETFP),
Direction de la Stratégie de la Planification et des Statistiques (DSPS) (2019). Statistiques Scolaires de Poche 2018-
2019. République de la Côte d’Ivoire. Abidjan : MENETFP.pay.
93
according to 2018-2019 statistics; girls had to repeat slightly less frequently. In general,
secondary education, about 13% of all students had to repeat a year out of a total of more
than 2,110,499. Of these, 59% were boys and 41% were girls. In technical secondary education
it is a similar percentage needing to repeat a year, with boys (60%) repeating more frequently
than girls (40%).171 Only 60% of students passed their junior secondary school exams with 1%
more girls succeeding than boys. For senior secondary school the average pass rate was 47%
with girls being 5% more successful.
In Ghana, repeating classes happens much less frequently than in Côte d’Ivoire. An average
of 1.7% of girls in primary school repeated a class and 1.9% of boys –
a substantial decrease
for both when compared with data from before 2010.172 Repeating classes in lower secondary
school averaged 1.6% for both girls and boys.
Despite low class repetition rates, a Ghana National Education Assessment Unit study in 2016
found that, for public schools, 30% of pupils did not meet minimum proficiency on completion
of primary school.173
A report on accountability in the education sector in Ghana noted that communities in rural areas
lack a sense of empowerment to demand teacher accountability regarding performance.174
They also feel that their concerns and inputs into local policy processes are ignored or not
valued.175 This situation underlines the importance of ensuring that communities have a voice
in such fundamental issues affecting them.
Under the Children First in Cocoa PPP there are plans for the Côte d’Ivoire Government to
increase the placement of qualified teachers in the most at-risk areas for child labour in
cocoa production.
171 Ibid.
172 World Bank Trading Economics (2020), Education Data Ghana, Available from https://tradingeconomics.com/ghana/
indicators-wb-data.html?g=education. Accessed 01/09/2020.
173 Boys had 2% better results in mathematics than girls while the results were similar for English. Ministry of Education,
Ghana Education Service, National Education Assessment Unit (2016), Ghana 2016 National Education Assessment
Report of Findings, Accra: Ministry of Education, Ghana Education Service, National Education Assessment Unit.
174 Kyeampong, K. (2017), Accountability in the Education Sector: The Case of Ghana, Country case study prepared for the
2017/8 Global Education Monitoring Report, Accra: UNESCO.
175 Kyeampong, K. (2017), Accountability in the Education Sector: The Case of Ghana, Country case study prepared for the
2017/8 Global Education Monitoring Report, Accra: UNESCO.
94
2.2.2. VIOLENCE IN SCHOOLS
Sexual, emotional and other abuse in schools reduces parents’ willingness to send their children
to school.176 Several interviewees pointed out this challenge and its link to child labour. Past
research also indicates that school violence can lead to drop out and to child labour.177 Studies
have shown that children are more likely to drop out of school early if they are subjected
to discrimination or violence. For example because of aggressive playground fighting, verbal
abuse, intimidation, humiliation, corporal punishment, sexual abuse, gang violence, or other
forms of cruel and humiliating treatment – by their peers and teachers, and other school
staff.178 In Côte d’Ivoire, for example, 12.5% of children in primary schools had reported some
type of conflict.179 This included a wide variety of types of violence from beatings, to having
to do chores for teachers, sexual abuse and rape. It should be added that the data cover
violence from teachers as well as other students. Not only teachers perpetrate violence in
school. Bullying and violence between children also occurs and causes problems.180
A general study on children in Ghana181 indicated that almost all children (94%) between
the ages of 1 and14 had experienced some form of ‘discipline’ (physical punishment and/or
psychological aggression) at home.182 Several studies in the country have indicated that caning
children in school is common and that most teachers are not in favour of its abolishment.183
This is, in part, because teachers are not well informed on alternative means of changing
children’s behaviour.
Programmes to address all forms of violence in schools are already being successfully
implemented in some countries. The Safe Schools initiative in Malawi was assessed as good
practice, for example, and includes training on alternative methods of changing children’s
behaviour.184 In Ghana a specific safe school’s project was also implemented between 2004
176 While the following study focused mostly on urban areas, the same holds true for rural areas. Thorsen, D. (2012),
Children Working in the Urban Informal Economy: Evidence from West and Central Africa, Dakar: UNICEF West and
Central Africa Regional Office.
177 There are many studies and reports mentioning this aspect, including UNICEF (2014), Child Labour and UNICEF in
Action: Children at the Centre. NY: UNICEF.
178 UNICEF (2014), Child Labour and UNICEF in Action: Children at the Centre. NY: UNICEF.
2019. République de la Côte d’Ivoire. Abidjan : MENETFP.
180 Ohene, S.A.; Johnson, K.; Atunah--Jay, S. et.al. (2015), Sexual and physical violence victimization among senior high
school students in Ghana: Risk and protective factors, Elsevier: Social Science& Medicine 146 (2015) 266-275.
181 Ghana Statistical Service (2018) Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS2017/18), Survey Findings Report. Accra,
Ghana: GSS.
182 Ibid.
183 Including Yeboah, D. (2020), Teachers’ perceptions of the abolition of caning in Ghanaian schools, Issues in
Educational Research, 30(1), 2020.
184 The Safe Schools initiative implemented in Ghana 2004-2008 was focused on reducing gender-based violence. In Malawi,
as part of the UNICEF’s support to the Malawi Government a Safe Schools programme is being funded that addresses
all forms of child safety with focus on violence from all types of Sources. Zegers, M. et al. (2018), Evaluation of Child
Protection Strategy: Evaluation Report, Lilongwe and Rome: UNICEF, Government of Malawi, Lattanzio. Some other Safe
Schools programs focus more on increasing safety and resilience in the case of human and environmental disasters.
95
and 2008 to reduce gender-based violence in schools.185 Currently, UNICEF in Ghana continues
to support safe schools’ initiatives, including through the development of a special guidance
resource pack for teachers.
In Côte d’Ivoire, Article 5.9 of Order No. 0111 MENET/CAB of 24 December 2014, which
covers the code of conduct for staff of public and private structures under the Ministry of
National Education and Technical Education. prohibits “any form of physical, psychological and
humiliating punishment against the student”.186 Transgressions are punishable with disciplinary
sanctions.
A directive from the Ghana Educational Service prohibits corporal punishment in schools.187 The
Children’s Act and the Criminal Offences Act, however, are yet to be amended to harmonise
with the directive. This means that, in practice, teachers can still use force. Section 41 of the
Criminal Offences Act allows the use of a “blow or other force” against a child under the age
of 16 by a parent, guardian, or their delegate, master, and the master of an apprentice, for
misconduct or disobedience, so long as the force is reasonable in kind and degree.188
2.2.3. TEACHERS AWARENESS OF CHILD LABOUR
The limited awareness of teachers regarding child labour issues and their inadequate
involvement in identifying child labourers and those at risk of child labour can further
contribute to the continuation of the issue. Multiple evaluations of child labour projects cite
this challenge. This lack of awareness can also contribute to challenges in class for children.
Many studies have shown that children who work after school and at weekends may be tired,
unable to concentrate and vulnerable to being disciplined.189 They may also have difficulties
doing their homework and/or studying for tests. If teachers are not aware of the challenges
such children face and provide support to address them, it can be problematic for the child.
There is, therefore, a risk of dropping out and a higher risk for children involved in child labour.
Some initiatives that contribute to eliminating child labour include awareness raising of
teachers and/or involving them in CLMRS or similar programmes. However, not all child labour
elimination efforts involve the training of teachers. In addition, while some schoolteachers
185 DEVTECH (2008), Safe Schools Program 2003-2008, Available from https://devtechsys.com/projects/Safe-Schools-
Program/. Accessed 15/08/2020.
186 Global Initiative to End all Corporal Punishment of Children (2019), Châtiments corporels des enfants en Côte d’Ivoire,
Available from https://endcorporalpunishment.org/reports-on-every-state-and-territory/cote-dIvoire
187 Department of Children, Ministry of Gender Children and Social Protection and UNICEF Ghana (2018), Position paper
on corporal punishment in Ghana Corporal punishment in Ghana: A position paper on the legal and policy issues.
Accra: Department of Children, Ministry of Gender Children and Social Protection and UNICEF Ghana.
188 Ibid.
189 Orrnert, A. (2018), Links between education and child labour. Brighton: Knowledge, evidence and learning for
development. (K4D).
96
are included in programmes, such as Safe Schools, not all the teachers in a school may be
involved and/or trained on child labour issues.
Where former child labourers are introduced back into education, they also need special
support in the form of bridging classes or, depending on the case, to simply catch up or become
used to being in school again. Teachers need training and support to educate and mentor
such children. While this is usually done through CLMRS and other child labour reduction
programmes, it is not always done in all cocoa areas.
The lack of adequate education on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in schools can
contribute to dropout rates among girls due to unwanted pregnancies. Boys may also drop out
and go into child labour because of the need to provide for a pregnant partner. School dropout
is a known contributing factor to child labour as children have few outside activities to occupy
them. The risk of sexually transmitted infections is also exacerbated without such education.
Any illness can contribute to household poverty, which, in turn, contributes to increased child
labour. Children who work after school and during weekends and holidays are also more likely
to drop out.190
2.2.4. SCHOOL FEEDING AVAILABILITY

It is well established that the availability of school feeding can contribute to reducing child
labour.191 Many initiatives to reduce child labour in cocoa areas in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana
include a school feeding component, which has been found to be effective. A 2017 study192 in
Ghana notes, for example, that child labour was reduced when school feeding was introduced.
Parents reported that they could work for more hours without having to worry about feeding
their children. The amount of time and money parents had to spend preparing meals was also
reduced.
A mapping of under-nutrition in major cocoa production areas determined that in Côte d’Ivoire
and Ghana, over 25% of the children under the age of five suffer stunted growth.193 The study
found that poor nutrition contributed to poor performance of children in school and dropout,
as well as decreased household labour productivity and increased illness of family members.
Women also have lower labour productivity and reduced time to care for the family when
190 Understanding Children’s Work (UCW) Programme (2016), Child labour and the youth decent work deficit in Ghana:
Inter-agency country report. Inter-agency country report, Rome: ILO Office for Italy and San Marino, Centre for
Economic and International Studies (CEIS).
191 Brüderle, A. (June 2019), Education quality and child labour: Evidence from cocoa-growing communities in Côte
d’Ivoire and Ghana, Geneva: International Cocoa Initiative.
192 Gans-Lartey, E. G. (2017), School Feeding Program as an Incentive for Education in Rural Ghana: The Case of Cocoa
Growing Areas, Accra: Institute for Democratic Governance.
193 Stunting: children are too short for their age as the result of chronic undernutrition and/or repeated undernutrition
and other poor health circumstances. De Vries, K.; McClafferty, B., Van Dorp, M. (2012), Increasing cocoa productivity
through improved nutrition: A call to action, Concept Brief. Wageningen: Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).
97
household nutrition is poor. Again, lower adult labour productivity may lead to higher reliance
on child labour. All these factors contribute to an intergenerational cycle of poverty and under-
nutrition. Ensuring that children receive a quality meal at school not only helps attract children
to school, it also improves their own nutritional status and their household’s overall health
status.
The recent NORC survey on the prevalence of child labour also found that children and teachers
reported significant benefits from school feeding initiatives in terms of reduced absenteeism
and improved attitudes among care givers towards schooling.194
In 2018 in Côte d’Ivoire, one in three primary schools had a canteen.195 Similarly, in Ghana,
approximately 30% of early childhood and primary school children receive a school meal.196
2.2.5. LIMITED TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

AND SKILLS TRAINING
Stakeholders of all types interviewed for this study repeatedly mentioned the challenges
around school dropout and youth unemployment as causes of child labour. We have already
discussed some of the reasons for dropout in previous sections, including poverty, and
access to, and quality of schools. Challenges around how far children have to travel to get
to secondary schools are particularly noteworthy given that households in the most remote
areas are hesitant to send their adolescent children to live in nearby towns.
Worldwide, child labour in agriculture is by far the most common type of child labour accounting
for 71% of the total.197 It is worth noting that, despite this data, training in agriculture receives
less attention than other forms of training in most initiatives aimed at eliminating child
labour. The FAO has called for increased concentration on decent work for youth, including
older children, in agriculture.198 Gaps that need to be addressed include increasing support for
agriculture-related vocational education and training and apprenticeships in non-hazardous
working conditions. Specifically, this would include addressing challenges around reducing
occupational safety and health (OSH) hazards.
196 The Conversation (2016), Ghana’s school feeding scheme is slowly changing children’s lives, Available from: https://
theconversation.com/ghanas-school-feeding-scheme-is-slowly-changing-childrens-lives-60875 Accessed 25/08/2020.
197 ILO (2017) Global Estimates of Child Labor 8.7 Alliance, Geneva: ILO.
198 Dadzie, C.; Mawuko, F.; Namara, S. (2020), Youth Employment Programs in Ghana: Options for Effective Policy Making
and Implementation, Accra: World Bank.
98
In Côte d’Ivoire youth unemployment is officially relatively low at about 5% (before COVID-19).
In 2013 it was estimated that 35% of young people between 15 and 29 were not in education,
employment or training.199 Many young people work in low productivity or informal activities,
including agriculture. In Ghana in 2019, youth unemployment (15-24 years old) was estimated
at 9.2% with a slightly higher unemployment rate for males at 9.4% as compared to females
at 9.0%.200
There are about 48,000 children in technical secondary schools in Côte d’Ivoire, of whom
48.4% are girls. Almost 43,000 children attend non-formal vocational education.201 Enrolment
in technical and vocational education and skills training (TVEST) as proportion of the total
enrolment in secondary education is 12%.202
Côte d’Ivoire’s national youth policy (2016-2020) includes a strong focus on strengthening
employment options for youth in agriculture.203 However, the policy document notes that past
programmes focused on agriculture have not been very successful due to a lack of training
of, and interest among young people. Côte d’Ivoire only has one agricultural vocational senior
secondary school and one agricultural college.
Technical and vocation and skills training (TVEST) in Ghana has increased over the years but
there is a mismatch between the skills supplied and those demanded in the labour market.204
Enrolment in TVEST remains low compared to the size of the population of children aged 12-
18 years at 60,000.205 In Ghana, investments to improve existing TVEST structure valued at
US$ 132 million commenced in early 2020.206
The recent NORC study was not able to draw quantitative conclusions regarding the impact
of vocational training on child labour because of the small number of children reporting
participation in such training.207 Qualitative findings were also limited although children who
199 Data for only up to age 24 was not available. OCDE (OECD) (2017), Examen du bien-être et des politiques de la
jeunesse en Côte d’Ivoire, Paris : Projet OCDE-UE Inclusion des jeunes. OECD (2020), Youth Inclusion Projet. Available
from: http://www.oecd.org/dev/inclusivesocietiesanddevelopment/youth-inclusion-project.htm. Accessed 04/12/2020.
200 World Bank, World Bank Database (Unemployment). Available from https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.UEM.1524.
ZS?locations=GH. Accessed 16/08/2020.
201 Disaggregated data by sex was not available.
202 UNESCO (2018), Country Education Statistics Côte d’Ivoire. Available from http://uis.unesco.org/en/country/ci and http://
data.uis.unesco.org/ accessed on 13/07/2020.
203 Ministère de la Promotion de la Jeunesse, de l’Emploi des Jeunes et du Service Civique (MPJEJSC) (2016), La Politique
Nationale de la Jeunesse et les Stratégies, Abidjan: Ministère de la Promotion de la Jeunesse, de l’Emploi des Jeunes
et du Service Civique.
205 Ibid.
206 Construction Review Online (2020), Ghana commence upgrade of TVET infrastructure, Available from https://
constructionreviewonline.com/2020/01/ghana-commence-upgrade-of-tvet-infrastructure/ Accessed 10/09/2020.
99
participated in the study did indicate interest in more and longer access to vocational and skills
training. Caregivers were likewise interested in the increased access to TVEST for their children.
In its qualitative analysis. the recent NORC study on child labour208 found that young people
were more likely to use protective gear in agriculture if they had received OSH training. Again,
quantitative data analysis could not, however, indicate a statistically significant difference due
to the relevant sub-sample size. Qualitatively, post-training, boys reported more changes in
their safety practices than girls, though the study indicated that this may be because boys
report using more chemicals and sharp tools as part of their agricultural work. Notably,
children reported feeling more empowered to implement safety practices when their parents
had also attended OSH training. This finding confirms the importance of focusing on decent
work conditions for all, not just for children.
2.2.6. APPRENTICESHIP AND SKILLS TRAINING
Aside from formal vocational education and government certified, non-formal training (in
private institutions), many of the youth in both countries are engaged in apprenticeship-type
training. Such training may be organised through government initiatives or parastatal bodies,
such as the well-organised, country-wide Chambre National de Métiers (National Artisans’
Chamber) (CNM) in Côte d’Ivoire. Informal apprenticeships are also common.
Child labour initiatives in both countries have focused on enabling children to participate in
apprenticeship and technical skills training. While such learning is appreciated, the duration is
often considered too short to achieve the level of skills needed to be fully capable of carrying
out the tasks required.209 The type of training offered is more often focused on skills such as
hairdressing/barbering, carpentry, tailoring and welding. Training may also focus on agriculture,
but to a lesser degree. In the case of one project in Ghana that ended in 2019, for example,
14% of the youth participants were introduced to sustainable agriculture techniques. Students
reported having been able to acquire a modest income from produce sales.210
Promoting children’s apprenticeships in cocoa can have risks, however. Currently, older children
and young people in their twenties, can be brought into hazardous cocoa production activities
209 E.g. Bowen R, Adomaa F, (2019), Final Performance Evaluation of Mobilizing Community Action and Promoting
Opportunities for Youth in Ghana’s Cocoa-Growing Communities (MOCA) Project
Final Evaluation Report, Accra: MPAQ International, LLC. Zegers, M. (2019), Eliminating Child Labor in Cocoa Growing
Communities (ECLIC), Washington, D.C.: IMPAQ International, LLC.
210 Bowen R, Adomaa F, (2019), Final Performance Evaluation of Mobilizing Community Action and Promoting
Opportunities for Youth in Ghana’s Cocoa-Growing Communities (MOCA) Project Final Evaluation Report, Accra: MPAQ
International, LLC.
100
on the pretext of receiving an apprenticeship in cocoa farming.211 Such apprentices do not

receive a wage but do obtain food and lodging, as well as some cash to cover expenses. At the
end of the season, they may be provided with a small lump sum or gift. The lack of monitoring
of the situation of older children and youth in such settings is a challenge that needs to be
addressed.
Ensuring that adults have the skills needed to improve cocoa production and the capacities to
diversify their incomes is also important. One study indicated that only 17% of adult farmers
in cocoa-growing areas in Côte d’Ivoire had received any training related to their activity over
the previous five years.212 In Ghana, the same study found a higher percentage, 49%. In Ghana,
however, respondents said that they had only received 1-2 days of training within the last five
years. Also, male respondents in both countries had received significantly more training than
females.213
2.2.7. EXAMPLES OF EXISTING AND PLANNED AGRICULTURE

YOUTH TRAINING INITIATIVES
One interesting initiative with a focus on agriculture that deserves attention is the five-year
MASO agriculture training programme214 that ends in 2020.215 The programme is focused
on creating employment opportunities for youth between the ages of 15 and 25 who had
dropped out of school, mostly in cocoa-farming communities in Ghana. The project includes
the establishment of agro-academies to equip and motivate young people to enter cocoa
farming as a business, generate entrepreneurship skills and provide a peer platform for youth.
The programme also works to strengthen the enabling environment by focusing on improving
land, finance and markets.
A large new programme, the Cocoa Rehabilitation Programme, is being launched in Ghana. It
aims to replant cocoa farms affected by swollen shoot disease.216 The programme is expected to
recruit and train 50,000 young people in the next five years to help support its implementation.
While those under 18 can only be involved if the work is explicitly non-hazardous, the
programme does indicate that there is potential for youth employment in the sector.
211 Verité (February 2019), Assessment of Forced Labor Risk in the Cocoa Sector of Côte d’Ivoire, Amherst: Verité.
212 Bymolt, R., Laven, A., Tyszler, M. (2018), Demystifying the cocoa sector in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.
Chapter 9, Cocoa producer groups, certification, training and credit, Amsterdam: The Royal Tropical Institute (KIT).
213 Ibid.
214 MASO: “Next Generation Cocoa Program”, Youth Powered MASO (2020), Home page. Available from
https://www.masogh.org/ Accessed 01/12/2020.
215 Aflatoun International, (2016), MASO Programme to Educate Young Cocoa Farmers Launched in Ghana, Available from
https://www.aflatoun.org/maso-programme-educate-young-cocao-farmers-launched-ghana/ Accessed 05/09/2020.
216 Through a $600 million receivable-backed syndicated loan facility, of which 2/3 will be used to rejuvenate farms
and productivity enhancement activities. Graphic Online (2020), Government to replant swollen shoot-affected cocoa
farms, Available from https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/government-to-replant-swollen-shoot-affected-
cocoa-farms.html Website consulted 26/09/2020.
101
2.2.8. ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND LITERACY SKILLS
Many of the projects implemented to address child labour include training on entrepreneurship
and literacy. Initiatives, such as the promotion of village savings and loan associations
(VSLA) and diversification of income sources, will not achieve the desired results, if such
knowledge and management skills are not well developed.217 Poor levels of literacy and a lack
of knowledge about entrepreneurship, including basic record keeping, marketing and other
subjects, contribute to poverty and the continued cycle of dependence on child labour.
Initiatives to improve the literacy of people who need management skills have been shown to
be essential in helping them keep records, plan, manage logistics and look after their finances.218
As a consequence, literacy also contributes to these people’s ability to formalise their informal
activities by organising themselves and registering with farmer-based organisations or other
formalising actions.219 It has been found in the past that, due to limited financial resources,
some literacy programmes have not been long or intensive enough to ensure the creation of
adequate skills.220
2.2.9. LIMITED ACCESS TO QUALITY SOCIAL AND AGRICULTURAL

SUPPORT SERVICES
As stated in previous sections, the lack of access to quality education and basic social services
poses a major challenge and is intimately related to the persistence of poverty. It also affects
the ability to bring about sustainable reductions in child labour and obstructs efforts to increase
school attendance.
Gaps in the enabling environment need to be addressed if greater success is to be achieved

in eliminating child labour. These gaps include the enforcement of legal and regulatory
frameworks, and local development planning that is sufficiently funded to be able to address
infrastructure and other issues at community level.
The limited technical, human resource and material capacities of social service providers
also impede the ability of government to provide the support needed. Donors, the cocoa
217 International Labour Office, Evaluation Office (2019), Independent High-level Evaluation: ILO’s Strategy and Actions
towards the Formalization of the Informal Economy, 2014–18, Geneva: ILO.
towards the Formalization of the Informal Economy, 2014–18, Geneva: ILO. As noted in a wide range of evaluation
reports on child labour reduction initiatives. Including in FUNDAMENTALS, ILO Regional Officef for Africa (2017), Meta-
Analysis of Evaluations on ILO Child Labour Programmes and Projects in Africa 2009-2014, Geneva: ILO.
219 Ibid.
220 Zegers, M. (2019), Eliminating Child Labor in Cocoa Growing Communities (ECLIC), Washington, D.C.: IMPAQ
International, LLC.
102
industry and private and non-governmental service providers cover up to 15-20% of cocoa
households in terms of child labour elimination initiatives. The ability of local authorities to
support and integrate with such programmes is limited. For example, the poor logistics and
transport capacities of government service providers impede their participation in initiatives
independently of external service providers.
Cocoa industry stakeholders interviewed for the study affirm their willingness to increase
coverage of child labour elimination initiatives, such as the CLMRS and similar initiatives, to
100% of the cocoa households in their value chains.221 Many of the strategy documents drawn
up by industry networks and foundations also indicate their targets eventually to reach all
cocoa producing households with CLMRS initiatives. However, reaching these targets is costly,
particularly where the local government’s enabling environment to provide and support child
labour elimination initiatives is limited.
Fair trade and certification methods show that farmers who have received a complete package
of support services appear to have benefited from them.222 These services included training,
credit, and farm inputs (fertilisers, agrochemicals, cocoa seedlings, equipment), together with
guidance on how to organise in groups. Provision of only some of these services has been
found to result in mixed or more modest benefits, including in terms of reducing child labour.223
A holistic approach to implementing standards and certification in combination with other
services is therefore essential for success.
2.2.10. CHILD LABOUR REDUCTION INITIATIVES AND CHILD PROTECTION

The cocoa industry concentrates mostly on implementing the CLMRS approach, while other
agencies adopt similar programmes. Some programmes also include other, more global
approaches, in which child labour is just one component among other challenges being addressed.
While there are some discussions about the differences between the approaches to reducing
child labour, overall, they are all community-based and involve working with local leaders and
community groups. It has become apparent that it is important to address all forms of child
labour in a community, not just those linked to cocoa production. This recognition is based on the
observation that children may shift from child labour in cocoa to another type of work.
221 Most of the community-based initiatives focus on identification, withdrawal/remediation and/or prevention of child
labour, monitoring of (ex)child labourers, community support activities such as education, WASH infrastructure, income
generating activities and other actions in response to local needs.
222 Ingram, V. et al (2018), The Impacts of Cocoa Sustainability Initiatives in West Africa, Sustainability 2018, 10, 4249,
Basel: MDPI.
223 Ingram, V. et al (2018), The Impacts of Cocoa Sustainability Initiatives in West Africa, Sustainability 2018, 10, 4249,
Basel: MDPI.
103
The CLMRS and other child labour reduction initiatives tend to include various child protection-
related components. In addition to linking to government child protection mechanisms, CLMRS
also plays a key due diligence role including assessing cocoa supply-chain child labour risks,
identifying issues, remediation, tracking and reporting cases of child labour.
The CLMRS approach also includes support for capacity strengthening of farmer-based
organisations, thus contributing to organising the value chain. Communities where CLMRS and
similar approaches are implemented also often benefit from other support such as for education
and other physical infrastructure, capacity strengthening, livelihoods and diversification, and
gender awareness raising.
The CLMRS is well accepted as a good practice224 but it requires a great deal of complex
and intensive focus on each community to achieve success. The limited capacities inherent in
the enabling environment prevent the CLMRS and other child labour elimination initiatives at
community level from achieving their full potential.
The cost per beneficiary of the community-based initiatives is estimated as relatively high and
therefore difficult to scale up.225 Much of the cost depends on the specific local context and the
types of activities included in the initiative.226 Various methods are being tried to reduce costs,
such as working through cocoa cooperatives.227
A functioning child protection system
It should be noted that the governments of ensures that children in child labour and/
Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana implement child or whose rights have been infringed in
protection programmes as part of their child other ways are identified, their cases
well-being strategies. Good practices present managed and followed up.
in child protection systems include several Data are collected on each case, kept
components to support children holistically: and included in local and national data
• Birth registration support systems. The purpose goes beyond the
• Ending child abuse, exploitation, neglect tracking of the individual child and helps
and early marriage inform progress and planning of future
• Protecting the rights of children with policies and plans.
disabilities
• Legal justice for children to help protect children from abuse, neglect and exploitatio
• Ensuring juvenile justice228 for children in conflict with the law
224 Cocoa Plan Nestlé (2017), Tackling Child Labour: 2017 Report, Geneva: Cocoa Plan Nestlé, International Cocoa Initiative
(ICI). NORC at the University of Chicago (2020), Assessment of Effectiveness of Cocoa Industry
Interventions in Reducing Child Labor in Cocoa Growing Areas of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Chicago: University of Chicago.
225 Ibid.
226 Laboulle, O. & Wilson, S. (2017), Effectiveness Review of Child Labour Monitoring Systems in the Smallholder Agricultural
Sector of Sub-Saharan Africa: Review of Emerging Good Practices, Geneva: International Cocoa Initiative (ICI).
227 Cocoa Plan Nesté (2017), Tackling Child Labour: 2017 Report, Geneva: Cocoa Plan Nestlé, International Cocoa Initiative (ICI).
228 Juvenile justice initiatives address the issues of children who are in conflict with the law.
104
Child labour may be linked to, or include challenges associated with any or all of the factors
under the heading of child protection.
It is certain that the child protection systems in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana are not yet fully
functional in cocoa producing areas. There are gaps in the development of comprehensive case
management methods, their implementation and follow up. There are also many challenges
with regard to addressing the special issues of children who have been trafficked for child
labour or for other purposes. In both countries there is a lack of sufficient safe locations where
trafficked children can be placed.
Stakeholder interviews indicate that existing programmes pay too little attention to the
interplay between abuse, neglect and exploitation overall, since the strongest focus is on child
labour. Children in child labour may also be victims of additional violations. Community child
protection committees may be trained to identify such cases where a child is not engaged in
labour but nevertheless needs intervention. In practice, however, in line with their due diligence
requirements, industry-financed programmes naturally focus on child labour primarily.
2.2.11. SOCIAL PROTECTION

Social protection includes a wide range of support mechanisms that can have a major influence
in reducing poverty, production risks and, consequently, in reducing child labour. Adequate
social protection helps prevent households from relying on child labour as a coping strategy in
the face of poverty and economic insecurity.229 They include access to:
• Cash transfers to especially vulnerable households, stipends and in-kind transfers
• Health, accident, and agricultural insurance
• Unemployment and old-age pensions
Social protection may be organised through government support, donor funded development
programs, and traditional community-based mechanisms.
Large-scale reviews of past child labour policies and programmes concluded that exposure
to individual and collective shocks are some of the main causes of child labour.230 These may
include environmental shocks, such as drought, but also individual ones, such as accidents
and illness in the household.
In the case of child labour in cocoa production, there are gaps in many areas falling under the
heading of social protection. These include inadequate and/or non-existing health insurance
229 ILO (2018), Ending child labour by 2025: A review of policies and programmes, Second edition, Geneva: ILO.
230 Ibid.
105
and unemployment coverage, work-related injury, disabilities, agriculture production insurance

and pensions for persons working in cocoa production and their families.
In Ghana the Livelihood Empowerment

There is insufficient evidence that targeted
Against Poverty (LEAP) programme is a
child labour cash transfers for especially
cash transfer mechanism for vulnerable
vulnerable households involved in cocoa
households.231 Cash transfers provided
production will be fully effective in stopping
through the LEAP programme are intended,
child labour. Cash transfer safety nets have
in part, to help reduce child labour. Cash
been shown to contribute to reducing child
transfer programmes to reduce child labour
labour in certain situations but may also
need to be carefully targeted and managed
contribute to increases in child labour if the
so that they do not inadvertently lead to
cash is invested to increase productivity.
increased employment children.
Farmers in both countries face challenges in accessing social protection mechanisms, such
as agriculture insurance that can protect them from environmental shocks. Pests, diseases,
weather and other disaster-related events can all result in crop failure. Aside from plant
diseases, disasters such as the COVID19 pandemic can contribute lower production. The
illness of farm workers, the cost of farm inputs, and more complicated cocoa transport
logistics are all affected. An ICI study has already indicated that, during the COVD19 pandemic
there has been a greater reliance on child labour in cocoa communities due to the challenging
situation.232
Reviews indicate that providing crop

insurance can be challenging, since it is
complex to manage in the case of cocoa.233
However, to ensure that an insured farmer
qualifies for reimbursement it is necessary
to assess the yield per hectare before and
after a difficult harvest. Farmers may,
further, be tempted to apply pest and
disease management techniques less
actively, since they know they will be paid
even, if the harvest is affected.234
Côte d’Ivoire, © Mei Zegers, 2019
231 Ibid.
232 ICI (2020), Hazardous Child Labour in Côte d’Ivoire’s Cocoa Communities During COVID-19, Geneva: ICI.
233 Swisscontact (2017), Micro-Insurance for Cocoa Farmers, West Jakarta: Swisscontact Indonesia Country Office.
234 Ibid.
106
2.2.12. LIMITED CAPACITIES TO REDUCE DEFORESTATION

AND OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES
An environmental sustainability analysis conducted for this study indicates that predominantly
unregulated and/or uncertified cocoa production in both countries has caused massive
deforestation, including in areas vulnerable to desertification. Statistics indicate that Côte
d’Ivoire and Ghana lost 17% and 13% of their forest cover respectively between 2001 and
2017, primarily as a result of agricultural encroachment.235
Change in land use, particularly deforestation, is the second largest reason for “land use
caused climate change”.236 In discussions about the unremitting rates of deforestation, farmers
complain bitterly about the unpredictability of the weather. Deforestation is also linked to
reductions in biodiversity, among other challenges.
The importance of deforestation ranks very high in the European Commission’s agenda,
including its Green Deal.237 The expansion of land used for agriculture is the cause of 80% of
global deforestation. EU institutions, civil society, industry and other stakeholders are demanding
regulation of agricultural commodities’ supply chains to protect the world’s remaining forests
and the people that depend on them. In response, a recent EU communication on the subject238
proposed a list of initial actions that need to be undertaken. They include the establishment of an
EU observatory on deforestation and associated subjects; improved forest monitoring systems;
coordination among research institutes and sharing of innovative practices. The communications
stress the importance of dialogue between the EU and its partners across the world, the dynamic
involvement of the private sector and active consultations with civil society.239
The increasingly poor quality of existing land used in cocoa production and the desire for
increased production has contributed to intensified deforestation in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.
This means that low yields per hectare in existing areas result in poverty in a context where
the production costs are high, especially labour. This leaves smallholder farmers with very
narrow margins. In a bid to cut costs, smallholders look for cost reductions, which leads to
employing child labour and expanding farm sizes into (protected) forest areas to increase
yields per hectare.
235 World Cocoa Foundation (2019), Action Plans to End Deforestation Released by Governments of Côte d’Ivoire & Ghana
and Leading Chocolate & Cocoa Companies, Utrecht: World Cocoa Foundation.
236 European Commission (2019), Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the
European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions Stepping up EU Action to Protect and
Restore the World’s Forests, {SWD (2019) 307 final}, Brussels: European Commission.
237 A European Green Deal, (2020), Available from https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-
green-dealen
238 European Commission (2019), Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the
European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions Stepping up EU Action to Protect and
Restore the World’s Forests, {SWD (2019) 307 final}, Brussels: European Commission.
239 Ibid.
107
Cocoa farmers have thus been moving further into forested areas and away from established
settlements. This has led to many other challenges in addition to the grave environmental
impact of deforestation. Child labour in protected forest areas is particularly problematic as
such areas are remote and difficult to monitor, making them especially vulnerable to high
levels of child labour in especially hazardous conditions. Trafficking of children internally and
across the border from Burkina Faso and Mali is particularly problematic in these areas.240
The remoteness of such localities also means that there is comparatively lower availability of
education and other services. In particular, education in formal school structures is problematic
in protected forested areas in Côte d’Ivoire as it is illegal to build schools in such localities.
The reason is that, as no one is supposed to be in the protected areas, schools should not be
needed. These complex issues are intrinsically interrelated.
Deforestation cannot be attributed only to cocoa production. It must be added that in most
of the cocoa growing areas of the sub-region, gold mining is also rife.241 In Ghana, such
mines account for about one third of the gold mined in the country.242 This illegal activity
not only makes the labour force available for cocoa growing scarce and expensive, it also
destroys the rivers and degrades the soils that create the ecosystem required for sustainable
cocoa production. Where these practices have persisted unabated, rivers and soils become
contaminated with heavy metals (e.g., mercury) with the attendant health implications.243
Illegal small-scale gold mining is further associated with lack of worker safety.244
Child labour is also found in small scale mining.245 One industry stakeholder indicated that
there can be child labour in cocoa and in mining in the same locality. Several stakeholders
pointed out the importance of ensuring that, if a child is withdrawn from child labour in cocoa,
that the child should be prevented from going into other forms of child labour, such as mining.
240 Verité (February 2019), Assessment of Forced Labor Risk in the Cocoa Sector of Côte d’Ivoire, Amherst: Verité.
241 Ayenor, G. K., J. Kuwornu, A. A. Duah, J S. et. (2015). Final Report on Assessment of the Environmental and Socio-
economic Impacts of Small-Scale Illegal Surface Mining in the Cocoa Landscape in Ghana. Internal Consultancy
Report. Ghana Cocoa Board’s Ghana Cocoa Platform. Sponsored by United Nations’ Development Programme in
Ghana. Accra: UNDP.
242 Modern Ghana (2020), Galamsey Now Threatens Our Cocoa Industry! Available from https://www.modernghana.com/
news/1030723/galamsey-now-threatens-our-cocoa-industry.html. Accessed 20/09/2020.
243 Ayenor, G. K., J. Kuwornu, A. A. Duah, J S. et. (2015). Final Report on Assessment of the Environmental and Socio-
Ghana. Accra: UNDP.
244 Nakua, E.K., Owusu-Dabo, E., Newton, S. et al. (2019), Injury rate and risk factors among small-scale gold miners in
Ghana, BMC Public Health 19, 1368 (2019).
245 Osei-Tutu, J., Abebe, T. (2018), Tensions and controversies regarding child labor in small-scale gold mining in Ghana,
African Geographical Review, DOI: 10.1080/19376812.2018.148039; ILAB USDOL (2019), Child Labor and Forced
Labor Report 2018 Ghana, Washington, D.C.: ILAB USDOL.
108
2.2.13. LACK OF SUFFICIENT AND QUALITY PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Many of the stakeholders interviewed

emphasised the continued lack of sufficient
and quality physical infrastructure as a
key factor influencing the prevalence of
child labour. Various documents reviewed
for the current research stress that a lack
of decent roads is a key factor leading
to poverty in cocoa producing areas.246
Poverty and levels of child labour are
clearly interlinked.
Efforts have been undertaken to improve

roads and bridges in cocoa producing
areas in Ghana but much remains to be
done. Likewise, Côte d’Ivoire still has many
poor tertiary roads. While the availability Côte d’Ivoire © Mei Zegers
of decent roads varies across the cocoa
producing areas, especially in the rainy season, the challenges persist in many localities. In
Ghana, for example, there are approximately 3,000 Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs), buying
points to which farmers have to carry heavy bags of cocoa on foot because of poor roads or a
lack of transportation.247
The cost of inputs, such as fertiliser and pesticides, is also multiplied due to the poor road
infrastructure. All of these factors affect farmer poverty which, as already discussed, has
an impact on the prevalence of child labour. Furthermore, as one stakeholder indicated, it is
common knowledge that the most qualified persons refuse postings to remote areas due to
lack of social services, especially a proper education for their own children.
Quite apart from the challenges for cocoa production, poor road infrastructure causes other,
related problems. It is also a contributing factor in the inability to attract teachers to remote
areas.248 The lack of schools within easy travelling distance and low quality and/or insufficient
246 In Steijn, C. (2018), Demystifying the cocoa sector in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana- Desk Research, Amsterdam: Royal
Tropical Institute (KIT). Cocoa Post (2019), Bad Roads A Setback To Cocoa Production In Ghana’s Top Cocoa District,
Available from https://thecocoapost.com/bad-roads-a-setback-to-cocoa-production-in-ghanas-top-cocoa-district/
247 Barrientos, S.W & Asenso Akyere, K. (2012). Mapping sustainable production in Ghanaian cocoa, Report to Cadbury.
Institute of Development Studies & University of Ghana in Steijn, C. (2018), Demystifying the cocoa sector in Côte
d’Ivoire and Ghana- Desk Research, Amsterdam: Royal Tropical Institute (KIT).
248 Word Bank (2020), Addressing child labour in cocoa production in West Africa. Building on lessons learned from child
labour interventions. Washington, D.C.: World Bank
109
numbers of classrooms further remain major impediments to encouraging parents to send

their children to school instead of to child labour. Information from cocoa production zones
in Côte d’Ivoire, for example, indicate that 9% of children in primary school have to travel at
least three kilometres to school.249 This situation is particularly problematic in the most remote
areas where the levels and types of child labour, including children trafficked into child labour,
are most likely to be most complicated.
Children have noted difficulties getting

to local schools when rains have washed
out roads or because the roads are in a
poor state for other reasons. The time
needed to get to school is substantially
increased in such cases. Parents see a
lack of safety and the risk of accidents
on the roads as an obstacle to sending
their children to school.250 Consequently,
they may prefer to keep their children at
home and engage them in child labour.251
Inadequate water and a lack of sanitation

Road to local school in cocoa producing area,
Côte d’Ivoire, Ó Mei Zegers, 2019 and hygiene (WASH) conditions in
schools pose further difficulties.252 This
affects all children. The lack of adequate and private WASH conditions can particularly lead
to absenteeism and drop out among girls who have started their menstruation. Much of the
research across the world indicates that dropouts from school are more likely to be engaged
in child labour.253
In Côte d’Ivoire there is also a regulation that permanent school structures are not allowed to
be built in protected forest areas. Again, these are areas with high levels of risk in terms of
child labour exploitation.

250 According to the field experience of ICI implementing numerous initiatives in cocoa localities.
251 Ibid.
252 For example, in Côte d’Ivoire 71% of primary schools in rural areas have no water and 14% of secondary schools have
water (2019 data). WHO UNICEF JMP (2019), Côte d’Ivoire Data, Available from https://washdata.org/data/school#!/
In Ghana the situation is somewhat better with 73% of primary schools in rural areas having water WHO UNICEF JMP
(2019), Ghana country data, Available from https://washdata.org/data/school#!/ Accessed 09/08/2020.
253 There are many studies available on the ILO and ICI websites that discuss the link between school dropout and child labour.
110
The number of health centres, social welfare offices and justice centres where child labour
cases can be reported are limited in many cocoa producing localities. In Côte d’Ivoire it was
determined that nearly half of the communities in cocoa areas did not have access to any type
of health services within a radius of less than 10 km (neither infrastructure, nor community
workers).254
This situation discourages the reporting of health problems and adds to their cost when
conditions are left untreated, in turn adding to household poverty. Where police centres or
other official places to report cases of child labour are situated far away, people may also be
hesitant to report them.
2.3. COORDINATION TO ELIMINATE CHILD LABOUR
Governance & Access to Local Service Provision:
Limited comprehensive coordination at international,

national and decentralised levels
Attempts to improve coordination on child labour in cocoa production at a national level

among ministries, other agencies and the cocoa industry have met with challenges. Many
interviewees for the current study emphasised that this situation has prevented child labour
elimination initiatives from achieving full impact. Child labour coordination bodies have been
established but have failed to integrate their actions and respond in a sufficiently coherent,
inter-ministerial manner. Coordination among donors, including those from industry, and
others seeking to reduce child labour in cocoa production also continued to be challenging, as
the focus was more on exchanging information than actual collaboration through joint efforts.
The lack of coverage across cocoa communities continues to be problematic but as coverage
increases, managing the complexity of integrating initiatives becomes even more essential.
Given the intention of the cocoa industry substantially to scale up CLMRS coverage of cocoa
producing communities in their value chains, ensuring good coordination becomes especially
critical.
254 In 2014-2015. AFD & Barry Callebaut (2016). Cocoa farmers’ agricultural practices and livelihoods in Côte d’Ivoire.
Available from https://www.afd.fr/sites/afd/files/2017-09/24-notes-techniques.pdf. Accessed on 31/07/2020.
111
Currently there are increasing efforts to improve coordination, especially in the context of PPP
Children First in Cocoa discussions. This is particularly true in Côte d’Ivoire. Data sharing on
child labour initiatives is already happening. Donors, including those from industry-sponsored
initiatives, report to national data collection systems, such as the SOSTECI in Côte d’Ivoire and
the national coordinating bodies in Ghana.
Based on stakeholder interviews and documentation, however, the finding of this study is that
coordination is less effective at local level. While it has to be said that there are attempts
at working together at local level (district/prefecture/sous prefecture255 and community level),
the conclusion has to be drawn that there are still gaps in terms of effective coordination,
especially with regard to the need for more efficient and collaborative joint efforts. Government
stakeholders in both countries made this point as well as several international interviewees.
The lack of effective coordination results in inefficiency and limited assimilation of the many
international development donor and industry-funded initiatives into local government systems.
While there is information sharing with, and involvement of local authorities at (sub)district
level and with the local chiefs in communities, there is only limited integration of interventions
in (sub)district development plans. Where such plans already exist, non-governmental
interventions - whether funded by the private sector or other donors – are rarely adopted
during the drafting of the local plan.
Several stakeholders interviewed, including representatives from industry, lamented the fact
that a number of development actors may be contributing to reducing child labour through
a range of interventions in the very same community. While some initiatives may be more
generally focused on fair trade and not contributing to a programme like CLMRS, they may
still have an effect on the prevalence child labour through such actions as poverty reduction
approaches. Some interviewees even stated that they have found that the very same
households may be working with more than one development entity. The recent NORC study
on the prevalence of child labour also identified the same issue in the qualitative section of
the study.256
The CLMRS and other child labour reduction initiatives do include participatory methods
to identify locally needed inputs. These participatory methods include engagement with
community leaders and community members. However, there are still gaps when funding is
not available to address all of the many needs that communities identify.
255 For ease of reference, from here forward only use the term “(sub)district” will be used.
112
Donors cannot fund all the development of all the cocoa producing communities in Côte
d’Ivoire and Ghana. It is notable, however, that more needs to be done to streamline initiatives
and provide inputs that strengthen local government capacities. Within this context, ensuring
that farmers’ voices are heard at local government level and not only at community level will
need additional attention.
2.4. INSUFFICIENT DUE DILIGENCE AND

TRACEABILITY
Due diligence and traceability:
Need to increase coverage and ensure well audited traceability

certifying that there is no child labour at individual farm level
Due diligence studies have already been conducted in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.257 Some
comments on due diligence and associated traceability actions are, however, important as
part of the current analysis. A recent study on due diligence requirements along supply chains
indicated that all actors need to play a responsible due diligence role for full effectiveness and
fairness.258 The due diligence study did not focus only on cocoa but on a range of different
supply chains related to the EU market.259 The study concluded that mandatory due diligence
would be particularly effective as opposed to relying mostly on voluntary agreements.
The current study also found that mandatory agreements have the general support of the
main EU cocoa industry actors. The due diligence supply chain study indicated that EU state-
based oversight bodies will need to be set up and sanctions for non-compliance introduced.
Increased focus on digital technology tools to identify, address and eliminate human rights
infringements, including child labour, will be important. In practice, the main EU cocoa industry
actors support the child labour elimination initiatives already in use and intend to scale up
digital approaches as part of their efforts.
257 Smit, L.; Bright, C.; McCorquodale, R.; et. al. (2020), Study on Due Diligence Requirements Through the Supply Chain,
Brussels: European Commission.
258 Ibid.
259 Ibid.
113
A strong focus on developing more robust traceability systems is intended to be part of the
PPP Children First in Cocoa initiative, which is a key step in the right direction.260
The large companies in the cocoa industry have fully agreed that they will take responsibility
for their value chain with regard to child labour and forced labour, and for other social factors,
such as poverty reduction and environmental sustainability. Major companies are already
engaged in implementing specific programmes, such as CLMRS, in cocoa communities and
already carry out due diligence. Most of these companies still need to scale up their efforts to
cover their entire value chains. Some smaller companies that make social and environmental
support explicitly part of their cocoa products already have mechanisms in place to try to
ensure coverage of their value chains. The companies that are already working on traceability
and certification are not, however, the only buyers of cocoa in the two countries.
Estimates are that as much as 50% of the cocoa beans passes through other channels which
are less controlled.261 This means that, even when the major companies and some specific
smaller companies protect their value chains, there will still be gaps in the application of due
diligence. In many cases, this is done through small and medium enterprises which are harder
to control.
In some instances, the companies conduct traceability activities directly, while in other cases
there are partnerships with other organisations, including fair trade organisations that provide
certification according to agreed standards.
2.4.1. CHALLENGES TO IMPLEMENTING TRACEABILITY
Stakeholders interviewed for this study cited several main challenges with regard to
implementing traceability. Some of these include issues around verification of child labour and
other conditions at farm level262 and the risk of bean mixing and other forms of tampering
with cocoa beans. The level of clarity of traceability forms and/or the logistics of transmitting
data on a given amount of beans can also be problematic.
Given that most of the child labour occurs in the actual cocoa plantations, many of which are
remote, it is difficult and expensive to conduct full investigations all the way to farm level,
particularly as most farms are small263 and may have plots that are spread across a relatively
wide area. Farmers may use various means of communication to warn workers that a team of
260 World Cocoa Foundation (2019), 2019 Partnership Meeting Summary: Drivers of Change, Berlin, Germany,
October 23-24, 2019. Abidjan, Accra, Washington, D.C.: World Cocoa Foundation.
261 According to several industry stakeholders who were interviewed.
262 As some major donors and industry representatives interviewed indicated.
263 As indicated in Section 2.5, in Côte d’Ivoire average size is 8 hectares in Côte d’Ivoire and 4 in Ghana.
114
inspectors is on the way and that they should ensure that any children are quickly hidden in
the dense foliage that often surrounds plantations. As a result, most traceability programmes
are based in farmers’ groups and rely on peer verification. Such peer verification is, of course,
less reliable than official direct verification through independent inspectors.
It is noteworthy to state that there is a very high cost associated with complete and intensive
transparency in traceability and other cocoa bean verification schemes. For example,
traceability schemes may include making risk profiles of each household, including the number
of children in each.264 In addition, a household’s access to livelihoods and services may be
tracked. Some stakeholders even noted that the high cost of such audits could be better
spent on working in communities to implement CLMRS and/or other child labour reduction
schemes.
Trials of new traceability systems using digital technology to strengthen traceability and
implement other aspects of due diligence have been carried out and are expected to be scaled
up. The methodology includes the mapping of farms in Côte d’Ivoire using affordable smart
phones.
Once fully operational, information on bean production and purchases would be linked to the
information on the farms mapped. Global Positioning System (GPS) technology is integrated
into the monitoring mechanisms and may also include the use of drones to verify the situation.
This is particularly important in terms of tracking deforestation but, if sufficiently detailed,
evidence of child labour could also be collected. The main challenge in this regard is that
the forest/tree cover inherent to cocoa production makes this type of detailed imaging more
challenging. Using the collected data, cloud-based data analysis would then help pinpoint and,
if necessary, suspend individual sources of supply in response to violations. Some265 farmers
will, however, need interventions to help support their households to avoid devastating
consequences.
Some methods such as “block chain”, using digital technologies to trace beans are being
developed and implemented. Block chain, while still under development and testing for cocoa,
provides the opportunity to track beans from the farm to the shelf. While these methods can
be useful, they are not without complications. This is particularly the case if beans are not
effectively identified as child labour free at farm level.
264 According to one interviewee.

265 World Cocoa Foundation (2019), 2019 Partnership Meeting Summary: Drivers of Change, Berlin, Germany,
October 23-24, 2019. Abidjan, Accra, Washington, D.C.: World Cocoa Foundation.
115
As stated, farmers may hide child labourers, with the result that they may not be identified,
thereby complicating matters. One recent study on block chain in cocoa in Côte d’Ivoire266
concluded that, while the technology has potential, considerable further development is
needed. Some of the problems identified included the lack of digital technology skills among
farmers and the development of the technology itself.
One key challenge is the lack of resources to include government labour inspectors, agriculture
department staff and other local government officials in auditing. This means that there is
limited scope for collaboration involving local government in implementing due diligence
systems at local level. While industry is responsible for the protection of its value chain as part
of its due diligence responsibilities, the involvement in the processes and the awareness of
local authorities regarding the situation on the ground in their local areas is necessary.
2.5. SOCIAL INCLUSION CHALLENGES
Social Inclusion
Challenges related to:

• Gender issues
• Youth
• Trafficked persons and migrants
• People living with and/or affected by HIV
• Persons with disabilities
• Elderly farmers and child care givers
Social inclusion is an important consideration in any discussion on child labour, including child
labour in cocoa. The stakeholders interviewed often stressed the need to identify especially
vulnerable households, primarily because they are most likely to have children in labour and/or
at risk of child labour. In working to eliminate child labour it is therefore necessary to consider
especially vulnerable groups and related issues, including gender, out-of-school children, youth,
migrants/trafficked persons, people with disabilities, those living with or affected by HIV, and
the elderly (including elderly cocoa farmers).
266 Center for Agriculture and Rural Cooperation (2020), Blockchain: an opportunity to improve the traceability of
sustainable cocoa in Côte d’Ivoire, Available from https://www.cta.int/en/blog/all/article/blockchain-an-opportunity-
to-improve-the-traceability-of-sustainable-cocoa-in-cote-d-ivoire-sid019abea6a-09ac-4b03-b065-4474ff19900a.
116
Some of the concerns regarding women and girls, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable
groups have already been discussed in previous sections. In this section there is a more specific
focus on social inclusion as a cause and consequence of child labour.
According to the stakeholders interviewed, challenges around social inclusion are more
problematic in Côte d’Ivoire than in Ghana. The lack of a strong voice to speak on behalf of
the most vulnerable in decision making regarding child labour and other community issues
impedes progress. The participation of vulnerable groups in decision making thus still needs
more attention in both countries.
2.5.1. GENDER ISSUES
In Côte d’Ivoire females head 18% of households267 with 31% in Ghana.268 In both countries
female-headed households in cocoa areas were not found to have statistically significant
higher poverty rates than male-headed households.269
Research has shown that, contrary to some narratives, female-headed households in cocoa
producing areas in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana typically do own some land.270 The amount of
land owned is, however, smaller than for male-headed households. Regardless of this finding,
women’s access to and decision-making over land remains problematic in both countries.
Gender issues remain problematic, particularly regarding attitudes towards the role of women
in community decision making. Women are not well represented in community decision-making
bodies that may discuss cocoa production and the prevalence of child labour. Some exceptions
do exist, as discussed in Section 2.6 on socio-cultural aspects, where women in Ghana may be
involved in community decision-making on specific issues.
The recent NORC study on the prevalence of child labour271 confirmed the role of gender-related
tasks, such as the responsibility of girls to fetch water, which results in girls’ absenteeism. The
availability of water and sanitation on school grounds and in the community was found to
contribute to improved attendance among girls. It also helped reduce the insecurity felt by
girls surrounding access to sanitation.
267 According to the most recent Demographic and Health Survey (Institut National de la Statistique (INS) et ICF
International (2012) Enquête Démographique et de Santé et à Indicateurs Multiples de Côte d’Ivoire 2011-2012.
Calverton, Maryland, USA : INS et ICF International)
268 World Bank (2014), Ghana GH: Female Headed Households, Available from https://www.ceicdata.com/en/ghana/
population-and-urbanization-statistics/gh-female-headed-households#:~:text=Ghana’s%20GH%3A%20Female%20
Headed%20Households,number%20of%2033.800%20%25%20for%202014. Accessed 09/08/2020.
269 Bymolt, R., Laven, A., Tyszler, M. (2018), Demystifying the cocoa sector in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Chapter 12,
Household income, poverty and wealth. Amsterdam: The Royal Tropical Institute (KIT).
270 Ibid.
117
Sometimes there are practical reasons that lead to an under-representation of women in

development initiatives aimed at reducing child labour in cocoa. In some cases, implementers
faced challenges in finding sufficiently literate women to participate in groups such as
Community Child Labour Committees.272 Such committees have been established, or
strengthened, if already in existence, in cocoa communities in order to implement the CLMRS
and the child protection systems approach.
Some actions to reduce child labour include only a limited number of female direct field
workers. This affects the ability of projects/initiatives to communicate with and involve women
in decision-making processes.
2.5.2. YOUTH ISSUES
Several stakeholders interviewed pointed out that employment of out-of-school older children
and young people in decent work conditions still receives too limited attention. While efforts
are being made to provide education for older children, there is still inadequate coverage to
provide alternatives to hazardous labour. Educational opportunities for older children need to
be more robustly and effectively addressed.
Given that a large proportion of the population is 24 or younger in Côte d’Ivoire (63%)273 and
that in Ghana 51% of the population is under the age of 18274, this is an alarming situation.
It shows that much needs to be done to address the challenge of who will replace the ageing
farmers and how.
As the FAO275 has pointed out “Rural youth are looking for a better livelihood in the cities”.
They are also not automatically interested in working in the difficult conditions common in
agriculture.
The challenge of addressing the situation of young people in rural areas is urgent. Not only
because their drive and energy is needed to address the many challenges in cocoa production.
The lack of jobs in urban areas to accommodate youth coming in from rural areas also means
that poverty is transferred from the countryside to the towns and cities. This may contribute
272 E.g. Zegers, M. (2019), Eliminating Child Labor in Cocoa Growing Communities (ECLIC), Washington, D.C.: IMPAQ
International, LLC.
273 United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division (2019). World Population Prospects
2019, Volume II: Demographic Profiles (ST/ESA/SER.A/427). NY: UN.
274 Ibid.
275 Food and Agriculture Organisation (2014), Contribution to the 2014 United Nations Economic and Social
Council (ECOSOC) Integration Segment, Available from https://www.ceicdata.com/en/ghana/population-and-
urbanization-statistics/gh-female-headed-households#:~:text=Ghana’s%20GH%3A%20Female%20Headed%20
Households,number%20of%2033.800%20%25%20for%202014. Accessed 01 06 2020. Page 2.
118
to greater inequity in urban areas and lead to social unrest.276 High numbers of unemployed
youth - and those unwillingly working in hazardous conditions in rural areas - can similarly
contribute to economic and social problems.
It should be noted that many young people, even in the most remote areas, have access
to social media through different channels and are thus aware of other lifestyles and
opportunities. In Côte d’Ivoire 61% of inhabitants in rural areas use a mobile phone.277 Ghana
aims to cover 95% of the country with internet by the end of 2020.278 It is outdated to think
that people in the rural cocoa areas are unaware of the outside world and do not use digital
technologies. In fact, research in Ghana has shown that internet use in rural areas increases
farm income by 20.1%.279
2.5.3. TRAFFICKING AND MIGRANTS
Migrant households (37%) have been found to fall into the poorest category280 of households
significantly more frequently than non-migrants (21%).281 Persons identified as international
migrants, even if having lived in Côte d’Ivoire for generations, face challenges concerning land
ownership though this situation has started to improve over recent years.282 It should be added,
however, that land ownership is a complex issue and is mostly grounded in customary law,
despite changes to allow non-indigenous people to enter into lease agreements.283 In fact, the
cocoa industry has recognised the challenges inherent to land ownership and is contributing to
the development of programmes to address land tenure issues.284
Persons who work as tenants on land that others own are especially vulnerable to exploitation
and hazardous work conditions. They may resort to child labour, particularly from within their
own families, to meet targets that the landowners set. Estimates indicate that as much as
three quarters of cocoa production may come from such farms.285
276 Ibid.
277 Autorité de Régulation des Télécommunications de Côte D’Ivoire (ARTCI) (2019), Panorama des Télécommunications/
TIC en Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan :
278 ARTCI.Telegeography (2019), COMMS Update Ghana aims to increase internet penetration to 95% by end-2020,
Available from https://www.commsupdate.com/articles/2019/10/30/ghana-aims-to-increase-internet-penetration-to-
95-by-end-2020/ Accessed 17/09/2020.
279 Siaw, A. et al (2020), The Impact of Internet Use on Income: The Case of Rural Ghana, April 2020 Sustainability 12(8):1-16.
280 Lowest 20 % of the population in terms of income.
281 Bymolt, R., Laven, A., Tyszler, M. (2018), Demystifying the cocoa sector in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. Chapter 12,
Household income, poverty and wealth. Amsterdam: The Royal Tropical Institute (KIT).
Côte d’Ivoire.
283 Ibid.
284 E.g. provision of the Meridia FarmSeal, World Cocoa Foundation (2019), 2019 Partnership Meeting Summary: Drivers
of Change, Berlin, Germany, October 23-24, 2019. Abidjan, Accra, Washington, D.C.: World Cocoa Foundation.
285 Capillo, A, Somerville-Large, N (2019), Cocoa Sustainable Livelihoods Landscape Study:
Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, London: Fairtrade Foundation.
119
2.5.4. PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Children with disabilities that do not prevent them from engaging in physical work are at
higher risk of child labour due to lack of educational adaptations for them in schools.286 In
other words, they are more likely to be out of school and available for work. This includes
children with cognitive disabilities that make them less reluctant to refuse child labour, those
with hearing difficulties and other impairments. In this context, it is useful to note that Article
31 of the New European Consensus on Development287 stresses that “the EU and its Member
States will take into account the specific needs of persons with disabilities in their development
cooperation.”
Strong statistical data on disabilities specifically in cocoa producing areas is lacking so overall
data is used in the following discussion. There were 453,000 persons with disabilities in Côte
d’Ivoire at the last census in 2014. Approximately 90% have a physical disability and 10%
have a cognitive disability.288 Of these 58% are men and 42% women. A high percentage
(70%) of these disabled people live in rural areas.289
The prevalence of children between the ages of 4 and 17 with disabilities in Ghana is 130,000
(1.6%).290 Very few of these children go to school, with enrolment reported as just 0.2 to
0.4%. of the total children enrolled.291 Children with commonly treatable disabilities, such as
dyslexia, drop out due to lack of support and misunderstanding of their learning disability.292
Three percent of Ghanaians are classified as persons with disability (PWD). Generally, the
percentage of females (3.1%) with disability is slightly higher than males (2.9%). There are
more PWD in the rural areas compared to the urban centres. Sight/visual impairment accounted
for 40.1% of disabilities followed by physical disability (25.4%). Speech impairment accounted
for the lowest percentage (13.7%).
286 UNICEF (2014), Child Labour and UNICEF in Action: Children at the Centre. NY: UNICEF Also e.g. on the situation in
Ghana despite on-going efforts to improve the situation. “despite steady progress and a strong legislation and policy
framework, students with disabilities must perform the same tasks within the same time frame as their peers, occupy
desks placed far from teachers and are often physically punished by teachers for behavioral challenges; moreover,
teaching is not differentiated” UNESCO (2020), Global Education Monitoring Report 2020, Inclusion and education: All
means all, Paris: UNESCO, page 43.
287 European Parliament, European Commission (2017), The New European Consensus on Development Official Journal of
the European Union, C210, Volume 60, 30 June 2017, Brussels: European Parliament, European Commission.
288 Data on children with APA News (2019), Environ 453 000 personnes handicapées dénombrées en Côte d’Ivoire.
Available from http://apanews.net/fr/news/environ-453-000-personnes-handicapees-denombrees-en-cote-divoire.
289 APA News (2019), Environ 453 000 personnes handicapées dénombrées en Côte d’Ivoire. Available from http://
apanews.net/fr/news/environ-453-000-personnes-handicapees-denombrees-en-cote-divoire. Accessed 10/06/2020.
291 Ibid.
292 Mensah, L. (2015), Long Beaten for Inattention, Some Ghanaian Children With Learning Disabilities Finally Get
Effective Education, Available from https://globalpressjournal.com/africa/ghana/long-beaten-for-inattention-some-
ghanaian-children-with-learning-disabilities-finally-get-effective-education/ Accessed 09/09/2002.
120
2.5.5. THE ELDERLY
Globally, the average age of farmers is 60.293 In the case of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, the
average age of cocoa farmers is lower but still averages 50.294 Average life expectancy in
Côte d’Ivoire is 57 and in Ghana it is higher at 64.295 Tools to help automate tasks in cocoa
production are limited. Elderly farmers may therefore still have to work hard physically despite
not having the capacity to do so. The elderly may also have other tasks, such as caring for
orphaned family children who have may have lost their parents due to HIV/AIDS or for other
reasons.
Furthermore, the challenge of reducing production costs in cocoa is also related to the average
age of cocoa farmers in both countries: the adoption rate of new technologies among older
farmers may be lower leading to lower cocoa yields per hectare and incomes, thus contributing
to higher levels of poverty.296
2.5.6. PEOPLE LIVING WITH AND/OR AFFECTED BY HIV
Child labour can be a consequence of living in a house where HIV affects one of its members.297
The same applies, of course, to households affected by other illnesses, including COVD19.
Severe illness can lead to greater poverty due to the reduction in able-bodied adult workers.
Child orphans are at greater risk of being in child labour. While the prevalence of HIV has
decreased over recent years, new cases are still added every year. The time needed to travel
to access treatment and the secondary side effects of antiretroviral medication also impact
productivity.
In Côte d’Ivoire the HIV prevalence rate (the percentage of people living with HIV) among
adults (15–49 years) was 2.6% (3.5% among women; 1.7% for men) in 2018.298 This means
that there were 430,000 adults living with HIV, of which 260,000 were women. In Ghana the
HIV incidence for adults (15–49 years) is 1.7% (2.4% for women and 1.1.% for men).299 It
293 Food and Agriculture Organisation (2014), Contribution to the 2014 United Nations Economic and Social
Council (ECOSOC) Integration Segment, Available from https://www.un.org/en/ecosoc/integration/pdf/
foodandagricultureorganization.pdf Accessed 01/06/2020.
294 Steijn, C. (2018), Demystifying the cocoa sector in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana- Desk Research, Amsterdam: Royal Tropical
Institute (KIT).
295 World Bank (2018) Life Expectancy Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Available from: https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/
SP.DYN.LE00.IN?locations=CI Accessed 15/10/2020.
296 Steijn, C. (2018), Demystifying the cocoa sector in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana- Desk Research, Amsterdam: Royal Tropical
Institute (KIT).
297 ILO (2020), HIV, AIDS and child labour, Available from https://www.ilo.org/ipec/facts/related/HIVAIDS/lang--en/index.
htm. Accessed 25/08/2020.
298 UNAIDS (2019), Country Overview Côte d’Ivoire (2018 data), Available from https://www.unaids.org/en/
regionscountries/countries/ctedivoire Accessed 23/06/2020.
299 Ibid.
121
should be noted that Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana are among the six countries accounting for 80%
of the HIV burden among the 25 countries in the West and Central Africa region.300 These
statistics on HIV are important but they do not take account of the number of family members
affected by the illness of their household member(s). Thus, many more people are affected by
HIV than just the ones who have tested positive.
Although efforts to address HIV are substantial in both countries, there is still much more
needed to address this issue and integrate it into child labour initiatives. In Côte d’Ivoire 63%
of persons living with HIV receive anti-retroviral medication.301 In Ghana only about half of all
persons living with HIV receive such medication. 302
The need to link child labour initiatives to existing HIV-related health and other support services
is just one aspect. Households affected by HIV should be counted among the groups prioritised
for support together with families of persons with disabilities or others who are especially
vulnerable.
2.6. SOCIO-CULTURAL ATTITUDES, CUSTOMS

AND PRACTICES
Socio-cultural attitudes, customs and practices:
Inter-relationship between attitudes, customs,

practices and child labour prevalence
While awareness of the negative impact of child labour has increased, some socio-cultural
attitudes, customs and practices allow the practice to persist. This is particularly true where
poverty, a lack of education and the absence of access to other services are prevalent.
Stakeholders interviewed for this study, evaluation reports on projects implemented in Côte
d’Ivoire and Ghana, as well as other documentation, all support this view.
300 UNICEF (2019), 2018 ANNUAL REPORT: For every child in West and Central Africa, Dakar: UNICEF Regional Office for
West and Central Africa.
301 UNAIDS (2019), Country Overview Côte d’Ivoire (2018 data), Available from https://www.unaids.org/en/
regionscountries/countries/ctedivoire Accessed 23/06/2020.
302 UNAIDS (2019), Country Overview Ghana (2019 data) Available from: https://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/
countries/ghana Accessed 29/08/2020.
122
Stakeholders and documents indicate that

much has been done in the media and
through direct interventions in communities
to draw attention to the need to eliminate
child labour.
Some interviewees pointed out that

parents want the best for their child and do
understand that is best for their child to go
to school. Cocoa farmers themselves point
to their poverty and their lack of access to
quality education and other social services,
citing them as key causes leading them to
employ their own children in child labour.303
This includes the parents of children who
are trafficked. While this may apply in some
cases, it is also true that parents may be
tricked or coerced into sending their child
away or are simply too poor to feed them
at home.304
One key interviewee pointed out that, Côte d’Ivoire with permission © International Cocoa Initiative
despite the messaging, there is also still
some reticence among various educated persons to condemn child labour outright.
Some of the ethnic groups in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana share common history and ancestry.
Consequently, there are many similarities between the two countries in terms of socio-cultural
values and norms. However, there are also differences due to their respective colonial pasts
and the specificities of living under different political contexts.
Several aspects need to be considered regarding attitudes towards child labour. These include
local views regarding:
• The age at which a child is no longer considered a child
• The need for children to help their family when they are in poverty
• The need for children to learn skills that will help them when they are older
• Attitudes and practices with regard to gender, persons with disabilities, single parent
households, persons affected by HIV and other vulnerable groups
303 As indicated to the research authors and in various documentation.

304 Counter-Trafficking Data Collaborative (CTDC) (2020), The Counter Trafficking Data Collaborative Global Data Hub On
Human Trafficking, Available from https://www.ctdatacollaborative.org/ Accessed 25/08/2020
123
Though officially in Ghana, the minimum age for engaging children in light work305 is pegged
at 13 years of age, the communities see age categories differently. The cocoa growing
communities generally define a child as any person below approximately 12 years of age.
Children in rural farming settings are seen as maturing more quickly than their urban
counterparts.306 According to research, most communities agree that light work for children
in cocoa communities is fixed at 12 years but children as young as 9 and10 have been
observed engaging in what they characterise as light work.307
Care givers may reject the entire concept of stopping child labour in their family outright as
they find the demands to be unreasonable. This is particularly relevant with regard to parents’
views that children need to be socialised and learn useful skills. Access to quality formal and
non-formal education to help children learn necessary and locally useful skills to gain a living
is challenging in many localities. As such households then prefer to ensure that their child at
least learns the skills needed for cocoa production. Some well-tested training materials that
ICI developed stress these differences between light work, regular, and hazardous labour and
should be widely disseminated.308
Especially vulnerable children from poor female-headed households, those living with and/
or affected by HIV309, people with disabilities, and others more likely to be poor have even
fewer alternatives. They may not only have lower income levels, but attitudes towards such
households also makes them more vulnerable to exploitation, including to child labour.
One other factor that is often forgotten is the need to build on existing supportive social norms.
There are good practice examples of very good awareness raising materials on child labour in
cocoa production. However, there is a gap with regard to including positive local traditions to
enhance change. Building on positive local traditions to address child labour is applicable to
both boys and girls.
305 Government of Ghana (1998), The Children’s Act, 1998, Act 560, Accra: Government of Ghana.
306 Ministry of Youth and Employment (2008), Hazardous Child Labour Activity Framework For the Cocoa Sector in Ghana,
Hazardous Child Labour Activity Framework For the Cocoa Sector in Ghana (June 2008). Accra: Ministry of Youth and
Employment.
307 Ibid.
308 ICI (2020), Our Tools, 08 12 2020. Available from https://cocoainitiative.org/our-work/our-tools/
309 Note that “affected by HIV” indicates that the family members are affected because one or more of the family
members is living with HIV. These terms are the officials terms that UNAIDS uses.
124
PART 3
Solutions for child labour systems building
in a multi-stakeholder process
Poverty of cocoa producers and ancillary
1 activity workers reduced in improved
decent work conditions
1 Poverty Reduction
Functioning educational/social services
2 in coca-producing communities and
reduced child labour
2 Governance & access, local

service provision
Multistakeholder processes platforms
Coordination of contributions
3 established & functioning vertically
and horizontally at all levels
3 to the elimination of child

labour
Systems approach adopted with
4 continual improvement of initiatives
based on consistent feedback
4 Due diligence and traceability

Results-Based-Management developed,
5 building on, and expanding due diligence
of all stakeholders
5 Social inclusion
Human rights approaches and social
6 inclusion are deeply embedded in all
programming
6 Socio-cultural attitudes,
customs and practices
Social Behaviour Change
7 Communications on child labour and
deforestation strengthened and effective
The discussion in this section of the best potential pathways to contribute to the elimination
of child labour and the establishment of sustainable cocoa production includes suggestions
based on good practices and lessons learned from various initiatives. The suggestions also
consider inputs from the wide range of stakeholders who were interviewed and analysis of the
large amount of documentation collected. All the solutions need to be addressed to achieve
real change in the context of holistic, integrated impact.
125
There is a clear need for a paradigm shift. New answers are required - more of the same
isolated and uncoordinated efforts will not work. Facilitation and delivery of collectively
designed and well-coordinated multi-stakeholder processes that thrive on collective learning
and action for positive change are imperative.
Scaled-up, integrated and well-coordinated approaches are needed to obtain high and
sustainable impact to eliminate child labour. Poverty, and access to quality, appropriate
education and other social services are intertwined challenges that must be addressed to bring
about real change in the issue of child labour.
A transformative, multi-stakeholder agenda is required to eliminate child labour and

produce cocoa sustainably. The transformative agenda approach focuses on three areas:
leadership; coordination; and accountability.310 The agenda can be implemented using a results-
based management system, on which due diligence actions can be based. For the long-term
sustainability of actions taken, there needs to be a strong focus on empowering the enabling
environment.
Multi-stakeholder process platforms should be established at three levels: international;

national; and at decentralised or operational level. At the operational level key actors in
producing districts and communities should be fully involved.
The required systems approach embraces collective stakeholder learning and allows for
a review of potential actions for change within a multiple perspectives approach. A systems
approach includes using feedback from field experiences to improve the implementation of
actions to reduce child labour and deforestation. As also discussed in the recent webinar on the
NORC study311 on the prevalence of child labour, consensus building through dialogue should
form the foundation of the iterative process. This approach to change based on interactive
learning is consistent with the on-going PPP Children First in Cocoa initiative started in Côte
d’Ivoire and Ghana. The systems approach will thus help inform institutional reforms, tailor
policy formulation and coordinate actions.
Exchanges in multi-stakeholder platforms can also contribute to eliminating some of the

misunderstandings between development actors regarding the most appropriate actions to
reduce child labour.
310 Krueger, S.; Derzsi-Horvath, A.; Steets, J. (2016), IASC Transformative Agenda: A Review of Reviews and Their Follow-
Up, Berlin: Global Policy Institute.
311 Webinar held on October 27, 2020. NORC at the University of Chicago (2020), Assessing Progress in Reducing Child
Labor in Cocoa Production in Cocoa Growing Areas of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Chicago: University of Chicago.
126
It was possible to identify clear trends and options from the research even if every potential
solution also has some drawbacks. For example, focusing only on improving conditions in
cocoa-producing areas can lead to increased migration from poor areas. This may in turn lead
to increased deforestation as land is cleared for more cocoa production. It is useful to bear
in mind that there is no single, or even a few, “best” solutions. Rather, a combination of good
approaches is needed with a strong focus on modernising the entire value chain and improving
the integration of various initiatives.
3.1. POVERTY REDUCTION

Summary of key solutions
1. Increase cocoa farm gate prices and further develop other means to increase cocoa
farmers’ incomes.
2. Develop and implement methods to modernise the cocoa value chain to reduce
poverty and child labour.
3. Train and engage children from age 15 and adults in modernised cocoa production
and ancillary activities in decent work conditions. Emphasis on youth employment.
4. Carry out market assessments and provide training on economic diversification

activities.
5. Implement agroforestry mechanisms in cocoa producing areas.
6. Expand and strengthen functioning of Village Savings and Loan Schemes (VSLS) in
cocoa growing areas.
7. Formalise informal cocoa activities across cocoa growing areas.
The root causes of child labour in cocoa and the product’s relationship with poverty and
deforestation have been extensively described in Part 2. Poverty’s multiple dimensions and
how it is embedded in more complex issues have also been illustrated.
127
3.1.1. COCOA PRICING
The need to address poverty, increase yields per hectare and improve incomes in cocoa
production in Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire cannot be overstated. It is long overdue. The solutions
are not straightforward and there are no simple formulae. A commendable point of departure
is the Living Income Differential (LID) of US $ 400/MT on all cocoa sales from 2020-2021
and the minimum price of US$ 2,600 /MT for the year 2020-2021. Increases in the payment
of higher farm gate prices will need considerable attention well into the future. If farm-gate
prices are too low, it makes it difficult for farmers to obtain a decent livelihood for themselves
and their families.
Companies, including retailers, can commit to ensuring that prices at the farm gate are further
increased and provide support for various initiatives to contribute to eliminating child labour
and deforestation. The financial cost of achieving an entirely child labour-free value chain
and eliminate deforestation is high. While industry and government can be expected to invest,
other funding mechanisms also need to be identified. These could include increasing the
price of cocoa products at retail level by a small amount. Though a small increase for the
consumer, this could, nevertheless, make a real difference for farmer households. While there
are differences of opinion among stakeholders on increasing retail prices312, in combination
with other initiatives in cocoa communities, this could be an important step.
However, as previously stated, monetary income alone is necessary but still an insufficient
step to solve child labour and deforestation problems. There is also a need to reduce existing
social and agriculture institutional service gaps. Where such services exist and are weak, they
have to be strengthened.
Addressing farmer poverty through

modernization of agriculture is expected to
deliver efficiency in the cocoa production
system. This can be done using the
sustainable intensification (SI)313 approach
to the extent that this is feasible and
applicable in cocoa. SI is a system where
agricultural yields per hectare are increased
without adverse environmental impact and
without the conversion of additional non-
agricultural land. Ghana with permission © International Cocoa Initiative
312 Nieburg, O. (2017), Paying the Price of Chocolate: Breaking cocoa farming’s cycle of poverty, Available from
https://www.confectionerynews.com/Article/2014/07/10/Price-of-Chocolate-Breaking-poverty-cycle-in-cocoa-farming
313 Pretty, J. & Bharucha, P. (2014), Sustainable intensification in agricultural systems, Annals of Botany, Volume 114,
Issue 8, December 2014, Pages 1571–1596.
128
Modernising the existing agricultural system is the main theme of Ghana’s Food and
Agricultural Development Policy (FASDEP II).314 The FASDEP II is similar to the Africa-wide policy
framework as captured in the Comprehensive African Development Policy (CAADP) and can be
strengthened.315 Good practices and lessons learned can be replicated within both countries.
Implementing the changes needed requires institutional and technical capacities that provide
support to the many scattered smallholder farmers. Strengthening is needed of FBOs and
those farmers who are not yet organised to position them to be able to receive these services.
Furthermore, farmers need to be consulted and actively participate in research and delivery
of technologies through Local Agriculture Research Committees (LARC). 316 LARCs can be used
to improve yields per hectare and make farmers more competitive. LARCs consist of 7-10
persons who work intensively with research scientists to co-design and set research agendas
that meet their specific needs. LARCs then continue to feed in knowledge about local farming
systems during the research process, including the dissemination of results.
Farm consolidation to improve scale could further enhance competitiveness. The dominant
land tenure arrangements suggest this could only be achieved as part of a gradual, medium-
to long-term objective.
Intensification of production for much higher yields per hectare must also be considered
but with caution when the overall goal is to promote sustainable cocoa production. Indeed,
stakeholders interviewed are concerned about farmers moving into new areas and causing
deforestation as a response to rises in the price of cocoa. This means that the development of
GPS and other forms of monitoring will play an important role in identifying and following up
on transgressions.
Focus on the development of improved technologies is needed. Especially on new varieties

and hybrids that do not sacrifice quality for increased quantity. Other production enhancing
measures include improving soil fertility/amendments; better pest and disease management
and good agricultural practices aimed at increasing yields per hectare.
314 Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) (2009) Food and Agriculture Sector Development Policy (FASDEP II).,
Accra: MOFA.
315 Office of the Special Adviser on Africa (OSAA) (2015), Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme
(CAADP), Available from https://www.un.org/en/africa/osaa/peace/caadp.shtml#:~:text=Comprehensive%20
Africa%20Agriculture%20Development%20Programme%20(CAADP),-Photo%3A%20FAO%2FOlivier&text=The%20
Comprehensive%20Africa%20Agriculture%20Development,growth%20and%20prosperity%20for%20all. Accessed
20/08/2020.
316 Ayenor, G.K., A. van Huis, N.G Röling & B. Padi, D. Obeng-Ofori 2007. Assessing the effectiveness of Local Agricultural
Research Committee approach in diffusing sustainable cocoa production practices: The case of capsid control in
Ghana. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability. 5:2-3, 109-123.
129
Any new approaches should be critically examined and their implementation coordinated.
This calls for collaboration using participatory technology development involving scientists
and industrialists from the two countries, EU and others. Input from cocoa producers is also
necessary, that is, to take into account farmers’ felt needs and circumstances for better
adoption rates and use.
3.1.2. DIVERSIFICATION
Diversification is critical for smallholder cocoa farmers to increase their incomes and reduce
the risk of relying only on one source of income. Many farmers in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana have
already diversified. Several of the stakeholders interviewed suggested increased diversification
as an essential alternative means for farmers to earn additional income to improve their
livelihoods. However, it is not as simple as might be supposed.
There are several reasons why, despite low incomes from cocoa, farmers have, to a large extent
(apart from a few who have moved into rubber production), still remained in cocoa production.
Cocoa still provides income security due to reliable institutional arrangements, especially in
terms of a ready market for the product. For this reason, support for further diversification must
come with the availability of a reliable market, access to credit and an institutional support
system that usually does not exist for other agricultural commodities (i.e. in Ghana).
Negotiations, adhering to quality standards, contractual terms involving logistics, timely

delivery are usually way beyond the scope and abilities of even the FBOs. There are also risks
that child labour is transferred from cocoa production to other types of hazardous work. While
diversification may be a great idea, therefore, it also leaves farmers asking many questions.
The promotion of diversification needs to be accompanied by suitable market assessments

and training. There are many types of activities that could be suitable but they will vary by
location and should be locally identified. There will also be a need to align types of trades with
skills, entrepreneurship and literacy training, as further discussed in Section 3.2.8.
3.1.3. AGROFORESTRY
Adopting agroforestry farming helps to protect forest resources, improves biodiversity,

encourages interactions within the ecosystems and preserves a better environment. For this
reason, agroforestry certainly represents an alternative farming system that is more consistent
with sustainable cocoa production, except that it may not be ideal for immediate cash returns.
It can be explored in both countries. While it could contribute to short-term food security needs,
it would only be a source of income over the medium- or longer-term. It takes time for agro-
forestry to provide sufficient product for sale.
130
3.1.4. STRENGTHENING ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT
Village Savings and Loan Schemes (VSLS) can facilitate easy access to loans and credit for
investments and emergencies. Such schemes may operate in the context of agriculture or
other diversified activities. Most VSLS groups include savings, credit and support mechanisms
for household emergencies. Various types of VSLS can also be developed separately in
communities to support and address the needs of different types of groups. They can
be women-only or mixed groups. They can also be focused on people who engage in non-
agricultural activities.
Youth groups can form their own VSLAs where they can learn and practice how to manage
their financial resources. Ensuring that all VSLS include vulnerable community members, such
as persons with disabilities, those living with and/or affected by HIV, migrants and trafficked
persons, is key. VSLS can further be integrated into FBOs, as is already happening in many
cases. Some schemes will (eventually) focus on saving and lending substantial amounts.
Others may, at least initially, be more focused on ensuring sufficient funds to meet household
emergencies.
3.1.5. MECHANISMS FOR FORMALISING INFORMAL ACTIVITIES
The development of effective mechanisms to further support formalising informal cocoa

activities and those in diversified economic activities is necessary. This means designing
mechanisms to promote membership of various formal FBOs, registering independently as
businesses or becoming members of other formal business associations. The registration
of village and loans groups as business groups is an example of a way of supporting the
formalising of economic activities.
There is a need for farmers to be able to formalise their informal activities. This may apply
to their cocoa production work as well as to their other diversified economic activities.
Formalisation can take place through direct individual business registration or through
membership of officially registered FBOs (including cooperatives).317 Formally recognised
producers and other business owners have easier access to various services, especially social
protection and financial institutions.318
131
3.2. STRENGTHENING CAPACITIES

FOR LOCAL DEVELOPMENT TO ELIMINATE
CHILD LABOUR

1. Integrate and strengthen comprehensive, synergistic district plans and direct actions
on child labour elimination at community level. Monitor evidence of reduced child
labour.
2. Expand targeted social and child protection coverage in cocoa producing areas
including targeted cash transfers and other social safety net support, birth registration,
case data management.
3. Scale up and strengthen farmer-based organisations and monitor for evidence of

implementation of initiatives to reduce child labour.
4. Strengthen community bodies to address child labour.
5. Comprehensively deliver essential services including quality education, school feeding,

and other social services in cocoa producing communities.
6. Expand and integrate CLMRS and other child labour reduction initiatives into a
comprehensive well-functioning child protection system.
7. Develop and implement participatory actions to ensure sustainable cocoa production

with special attention to decreasing deforestation.
8. Conduct capacity analysis conducted to identify the strengths, weaknesses, and

opportunities of each actor across social services and strengthen capacities
accordingly.
9. Increase and/or renovate physical infrastructure in line with needs to address poverty
and improve social and agricultural service delivery in cocoa producing areas with high
risk of child labour.
10. Identify and use digital tools (GPS, drones, mobile technology, tablets) and other forms
of (farm) monitoring digital tools.
At the decentralised level, capacities of all kinds need strengthening to eliminate child labour
for responsible and sustainable cocoa production. With regard to the elements that will help
address these issues, the root causes and gaps identified in Part 2 need to be considered as
part of planning.
132
Based on the research, several main areas were identified that need attention to ensure
that the enabling environment to eliminate child labour functions effectively. Without a well-
functioning enabling environment at decentralised level, there will never be enough sustainable
impact to reduce child labour. In summary, the areas identified as requiring attention include
the need for strengthened governance and enforcement of relevant rules and regulations,
physical infrastructure, addressing social service gaps on child protection, social protection,
education, and health. Within this context, a focus on increasing decent working conditions
for all, including adults, is necessary. In addition, with regard to direct actions to address child
labour, it is important to build and expand on existing mechanisms, including the CLMRS,
Fairtrade, and other related efforts.
While child labour projects and initiatives cannot address all the issues, it is nevertheless vital
to consider them. Government and non-state implementing agencies need to address them as
well in order to achieve comprehensive impact and eradicate child labour. It should be noted
that many cocoa industry and other international donors already take account of most of
these issues.
The financial capacity to address the existing local gaps is low and needs to be improved.
Increasing the investment necessary to close gaps requires more focus than is currently the
case. Concerted efforts are required to increase inputs but there is also a real need to focus on
the efficiency of development actions aimed at reducing child labour.
At local level, the key stakeholders that should be included in planning and actions are the
cocoa communities, government staff,319 religious and informal traditional and other leaders,
trade unions, FBOs, and other civil society organisations (CSO). National and local NGOs,
foundations, fair trade certifying agencies and any other key relevant stakeholders working in
the district are also relevant.
Stronger local coalitions need to be

developed between key stakeholders. This
will require strengthening the capacities
for local development planning, and the
implementation and enforcement of legal
frameworks (districts, prefecture/sous
prefectures, communities). This includes
strengthening practical logistics at the
disposal of local authorities to provide
social services at community level. Côte d’Ivoire © Mei Zegers
319 Including social and community development workers, labour inspectors, agriculture extension workers, judiciary,
police, and others.
133
It will also require giving producers and their workers a stronger voice, together with their
communities as a whole, in the decision making that affects them. To ensure their voices are
effective, a focus is needed on strengthening farmers’ organisations and other community
groups. Attention should be paid to ensuring that that the voices of women, children and
youth, people with disabilities, households living with and/or affected by HIV are fully heard
and represented in decision making.
Value chain stakeholders, including government, donors, industry, NGOs, foundation and others
need to increase their focus on the local context across the board. As the research has shown,
the complex interplay of local factors has to be considered and solutions found in a systems
approach. Unless issues such as macro- and micro-economics, socio-cultural matters, policy,
the decentralisation of governance structures, the available infrastructure and access to
quality social services are addressed, it will not be possible to achieve the ultimate objective
of eliminating child labour.
The construction of physical Infrastructure with an emphasis on roads, accessible schools,

health and one-stop support/referral offices is a very important component of any effort to
reduce poverty. Good roads also help ensure access of local populations to social services
including education and health. This will require a great deal of investment but is likely to
result in long-term impact to reach the overall objective.
3.2.1. COMPREHENSIVE JOINT APPROACHES
While the strengthening of overall local governance is needed, direct actions at community
level need more comprehensive and synergistic approaches. In the short and medium term,
CLMRS and child protection are needed to work in cooperation and to formally fit together into
a national framework.
Major cocoa industry actors are rightly very concerned about the responsible reduction of child
labour risks so that their value chains do not involve child labour. Likewise, they are also aware
of the need to reduce deforestation. This is also required and expected as part of existing and
strengthened due diligence mechanisms. Several key cocoa actors (Mondelez, Cargill, Nestlé
etc, alone and in collaboration) aim to cover 100% of their value chains. Fair trade systems
also aim to expand their coverage. While the industry approach is understandable, however,
as several interviewees pointed out, it can be inefficient over the longer term due to limited
coordination and collaboration at local level.
Central to the implementation of effective mechanisms is building on the good practices and
lessons learned from past experience obtained through previous interventions. Key to this
is the finding that, at community level, the CLMRS and similar approaches to eliminate child
134
labour are generally effective. Yes, they

It is advisable to continue with the CLMRS
could have much greater impact if the
and to integrate it further into the national
conditions in the enabling environment
child protection system. This may include:
were improved. However, on a broader
• feeding CLMRS data into the national
scale, these good practices need to fit within
child labour and child protection
the governments’ child protection systems
database
in the two countries. Lessons learned
• using these data to improve content
indicate that efficiency, effectiveness
and the targeting of government pro-
and sustainability are greater when the
grammes
government, private sector, multi-lateral
• referring specific cases of child labour
donors and development implementation
and households at risk of child labour to
agencies work together.
government social services
• making greater use of government
The research findings thus indicate
services for the delivery of prevention
that good practices, such as the CLMRS
and remediation activities.
approaches, can and should be more
integrated with government mechanisms
on child protection. It is not a case of stating that either one or the other is needed, but
rather that the two are complementary. There is therefore a need for better integration of the
efforts of external actors (cocoa industry, fair trade actors, NGOs, etc.) into local government
structures.
The resource challenges that the Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana governments face in fully
implementing a complete child protection system in all cocoa production areas with high focus
on child labour are daunting.
An in-depth analysis that the ILO conducted has found that, when governments, employers
and their organisations, trade unions, and other relevant civil society organisations join forces,
appropriate laws and regulations can be developed and implemented.320 Innovative ways can
be found to enforce them, to prevent hazardous child labour and to promote safe and decent
youth employment for those legally old enough to work. It is important, therefore, that supply
chain stakeholders are directly involved in identifying and addressing the issues at all levels,
including the local level.
Some efforts have already been made to develop a system with defined roles and
responsibilities for different development partners, including those from the cocoa industry
and its foundations, together with national and local government representatives. These will
need to be reviewed, solidified and formally agreed at local level. As discussed in previous
320 ILO (2018), Towards the urgent elimination of Hazardous Child Labour, Geneva: ILO.
135
sub-sections, a results-based management system is needed to track the extent to which the
cocoa stakeholders and implementers321 adhere to, and execute the tasks inherent to their
roles.
At local level, effective joint actions will require that external actors organise and go beyond
occasional joint visits with local government staff to the communities, instead developing
more integrated synergies in line with local development plans. Genuine efforts to engage in
joint implementation and creation of synergies are thus necessary, so that technical capacities
at local government level are further developed.322 It is essential to ensure that initiatives to
eliminate child labour in specific communities are complimentary and do not overlap with
others in the same households.
Given that the governments of both countries are ultimately responsible for the well-being
of their citizens, there needs to be much more attention to strengthening decentralised local
service providers. External actors can continue to give support to protect their value chains, as
is demanded in their due diligence responsibilities, which are expected to become even more
demanding in the future.
3.2.2. LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLANNING, LOCAL BY-LAWS

AND ENFORCEMENT
New local development plans, including in non-cocoa growing areas, where other forms of child
labour exist, should pay increased attention to eliminating child labour and deforestation. This
should be done through dialogue at local level involving representatives of the stakeholders
concerned. Development plans will need to take account of children’s overall well-being, paying
particular attention to abused, neglected and exploited children. Child labour should be clearly
identified and integrated in planning under these headings, with an emphasis on the need to
enforce laws on child trafficking.
In this regard, local development plans may include support for the development of relevant
local by-laws, something which has been shown to be a good practice in other countries.323
Such laws have good potential for application as they are developed and enforced at district,
sub-district and/or community level. It should be noted that local chiefs can and do make by-
laws, which could be particularly helpful.
321 (Government and non-state actors)

322 The researchers recognise that local government staff may be frequently reassigned to other locations. In that regard,
however, they will take their skills with them. Even if they arrive in non-cocoa growing localities, many of the child
labour and other development issues will be similar. Thus, their acquired skills will not be wasted.
323 E.g., in a coffee project in Uganda. Stop Child Labour (September 2018), Getting Down to Business: Accelerating Joint
Action Towards A Child Labour Free World, The Hague: Stop Child labour, HIVOS.
136
Some of the types of initiatives that can be considered FIGURE 7

involve a single mechanism or a combination of Planning Phases for
several, such as the landscape oriented Integrated Decentralised Change
Area-Based Approach (IABA) to achieve Child Labour
Free Zones (CLFZ), CLMRS and other child labour Institutional Strategy
Planning for Change
reduction approaches. The IABA324 is already included
in the Ghana National Plan of Action on Child Labour Key and prioritised areas
but has so far only been partially implemented. identified
The IABA is a method based on the strengthening of The assumptions that

may affect the path to
local systems, especially of local government and realising the elimination of
CSO stakeholders, to address child labour issues. child labour and reduced
However, to function effectively, the IABA requires a deforestation identified
network of child labour focal points at national level
and committees at local level that communicate on a Needs
collected in
participative manner
regular basis. Monthly meetings are held at local level from stakeholders
that involve local government staff, such as from the
ministries of Labour, Education, Social/Child/Family Strategic planning
welfare, Justice, Agriculture, Planning, and other civil
servants. Civil society representatives also take part. Plan developed to eliminate
In the case of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, this would child labour with attention
to all outcomes
include representatives of employers’ and workers’
organisations, local NGOs and implementing agencies
Demand
for the needed
at community levels. services, products, and/
or solutions based on
The effective integration of such mechanisms into identified needs/gaps
child protection systems will be vital. It is important, information forecasted
therefore, that the capacities to enforce laws and
regulations are in place. This requires sufficient and Collected needs and gaps
to be addressed in cocoa
well-trained legal specialists/lawyers/judges on child value chain with special
protection issues, in general, and on child labour, in focus on local/community
particular. level
Resources (human and

non-human) needed
to fulfil requirements
identified
324 IPEC (2013), Integrated area-based approach as a strategy for Resources (human and
laying foundations for child labour-free zones - A case of Busia, non-human) needed
Kilifi and Kitui Districts in Kenya, Dar Es Salaam: ILO Country to fulfil requirements
Office for United Republic of Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda and allocated
Uganda.
137
Furthermore, the writers of local development plans are advised to consider expanding social
protection mechanisms across the range of subjects under this subject area.
In this regard, local government and others contributors to local development plans will need
to be aware of, and possess the required technical capacities in child protection and social
protection. This includes child labour issues and initiatives to withdraw children and keep them
out of labour. The training needs on these subjects will need to be assessed in each locality
and training provided accordingly, so that planners have the necessary capacities to identify
and develop objectives and targets.
3.2.3. STRENGTHENING OF FARMER BASED ORGANISATIONS
It is crucial to support the formation, development, strengthening, management and

sustainability of FBOs, including cooperatives. FBO development is not a panacea but a
good vehicle to reach out to many farmers and connect them to services and opportunities.
FBOs further provide opportunities for proper targeting and sourcing of primary commodity
producers and their produce into a formal, structured trading system.
A strong FBO can become a focal point for developmental activities for an entire community.
Strong FBOs have countervailing powers to negotiate and to access financial, technical and
other services. They are attractive to government, private sector and NGOs for any social,
economic and environmental intervention. For these reasons, they are critical as one of the
pillars for sustainable cocoa production and are key to the economic, social and environmental
transformation of cocoa communities. When strengthened, they can participate in research
and development, which facilitates policy development and adoption of technologies.
However, when good governance, democratic culture, transparency and accountability

measures are not observed and encrypted into the operations of FBOs, they can become yet
another tool for some more successful farmers to exploit weaker ones.
Stronger FBOs, including cooperatives with the requisite support, training and management
capabilities, could have their own insurance schemes that could have a positive effect on
the entire community. The adoption of digital payments by some FBOs is further improving
transparency and facilitating reliable and speedy payments.
For other stakeholders to take FBOs more seriously, cocoa farmers need to have a strong,
overarching body at the top. Such a body should not only represent FBOs at the decision-
making table to approve policy, but should also be able to articulate farmers’ perceived needs
and give them a voice. While there are workers’ and employers’ organisations that can provide
support in dialogue, having their own apex body is important for FBOs to ensure full focus on
their particular issues.
138
A strengthened FBO within an empowered community is certainly not the panacea or “silver
bullet” that will address all the complex issues. However, a reliable FBO is definitely a frontline
“response or device” against low yields per hectare, low incomes, poverty, child labour, child
trafficking, and indiscriminate deforestation. Well functioning FBOs can also at least somewhat
compensate for a lack of traceable systems directly to primary sources of cocoa beans.
3.2.4. COMMUNITY STRENGTHENING
In addition to FBOs, there are other well-

grounded, community-based institutions
in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, such as
chieftaincies, religious bodies and other
traditional organisations. There is more
likelihood of success when formal and
informal traditional leaders actively
participate in designing and implementing
measures to address child labour and/
or deforestation threats. Many existing
initiatives already work with such institutions
but this can be scaled up. Indeed, they could
Côte d’Ivoire © Mei Zegers
be (further) strengthened to contribute
more intensively to sustainable cocoa and community development. These entities could give
greater voice to communities and encourage their active participation on sustainable cocoa
development issues (social, economic and environmental).
With the support of community institutions and organisations, existing committees or entities
could be supported to address child labour and related issues by:
• establishing and/or strengthening child protection committees at community and district/
sous-prefecture level concerning their functions, child labour, awareness raising methods,
identification of children needing support, official referral systems and how to contact local
government social service providers.
• ensuring that community child protection committees are well coordinated and work
together with other community-based groups (e.g., health, parent-teacher associations).
• awarding communities, sub-districts/sous prefectures, districts/prefectures in recognition of
incrementally successful results, e.g., providing certificates and material support in the form
of textbooks, water points, etc.
• providing stipends to selected community child protection actors.
• including women’s participation.
• ensuring children are given a voice (ensuring the participation of girls and boys).
139
In this respect, the need to establish platforms for community dialogue connected to the
proposed Multi-Stakeholder Process (MSP) at the decentralised level is imperative. The
following principles espoused by Woodhill and Rolling (2001)325 and recast by Ayenor et al.,
(2015)326 could be helpful at the district and community levels:
1. Establish appropriate platforms (district and community levels)
2. Establish the mandate and legitimacy of the dialogue process
3. Clearly define the scope of the dialogue
4. Engage relevant stakeholders within each level (e.g., social welfare staff, forestry staff,
representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, farmers organisations etc)
5. Integrate of existing institutions and processes (district assemblies and/or chiefs)
6. Establish incentives for participation
7. Coordinate with other levels of MSP
8. Ensure effective facilitation
9. Use a variety of methodologies (i.e., multi-stakeholder facilitation processes, social
learning327 and experiential learning tools)
10. Establish and monitor performance questions and indicators covering child labour,
forest cover, farmer income levels, school attendance etc.
3.2.5. CHILD PROTECTION SYSTEMS AND CHILD LABOUR WITHDRAWAL

AND PREVENTION MECHANISMS
In Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana there is an increasing focus on further fully extending child protection
system programmes to more localities. Child protection methods include the identification of
child labourers, the management of their cases and the monitoring of their situation. Child
protection also includes addressing the importance of increasing birth registration, which is
vital for many reasons. Ensuring children’s births are registered give children a legal identity
that entitles them to education, social protection (as available) and, later, voter and other
democratic rights. Access to justice for children who have been the victim of, or have been
accused of, crimes is another key component in the framework of child protection systems.
It should be recognised that children may be accused of crimes within labour exploitation or
contribute to violence against other children in labour situations. Where children have been
trafficked, their ability to obtain justice and support needs special attention.
325 Rolling, N. and Woodhill, J. (2001). From Paradigm to Practice: Foundations, Principles and Elements for Dialogue
on Water, Food and Environment. Background Document for National and Basin Dialogue Design Workshop. Bonn,
December 1 and 2, 2001.
326 Ayenor, G. K., J. Kuwornu, A. A. Duah, J S. et.al. (2015). Final Report on Assessment of the Environmental and Socio-
Ghana. Accra: UNDP.
327 Continuous peer based and/or larger community-based learning
140
As indicated in Part 1, most industry and other international donor programmes use the
CLMRS and other child labour reduction approaches as part of their activities and/or fair-
trade certification methods. There are also efforts to increase birth registration and other child
protection actions. Birth registration should continue to receive particular attention in future
initiatives.
The CLMRS method is part of the way in which much of the larger cocoa industry-sponsored
programmes implement their due diligence responsibilities. The two methodologies of CLMRS
(and similar approaches) and child protection are largely coherent and have been harmonised,
but further coordination and integration is important.
It is not realistic to expect the cocoa industry to abandon its own methodologies until an
independent, government-led child protection system is fully functional in terms of financing,
technical capacities and the ability to reach and cover all cocoa communities.
This is primarily because it will take time to build the system and direct action is needed now.
Currently, it will not be possible, therefore, for the industry to give up its CLMRS, traceability,
fair trade collaboration and certification activities. Over the short and medium term, all
industry efforts will need to maintain a laser focus on the full range of initiatives that they can
implement to reduce child labour and strengthen sustainability.
Over the long term, however, the ultimate goal should be a functioning government-managed
child protection system, including identification and remediation of cases of child labour,
access to justice and follow-up of cases.
Furthermore, over the long term, the cocoa industry will need to continue to identify and
assess its human rights challenges as part of its due diligence responsibilities. This should
include setting up internal mechanisms for reporting and responding to cases, embedded at
local authority and institutional level.328 Naturally, all the other components under the child
protection heading also need strengthening as they are inter-related. The goals of adequate
physical infrastructures, education and training, and access to health and other social services
should be achieved simultaneously.
The building and strengthening of child protection systems includes actions such as child labour
case identification, referral, case management (remediation) and follow up. The advantage of
the child protection case management system is that it also tracks other kinds of mistreatment
that can occur in tandem with child labour, such as neglect, trafficking, abuse, child marriage
and others. This approach can help in understanding the complexity of an individual child’s
328 District/sous préfecture
141
case. If data are then properly tracked and analysed, local and national statistics can be drawn
from them.
It should be noted that, given the insufficient resources available, the child protection case
management approach cannot by itself initially provide direct support for each identified case
of child labour like the CLMRS approach does. That is because there is not enough financial
support for transport/data management, technical and human capacities, as explained in
Part 2. Consequently, the CLMRS and other child labour reduction initiatives are still needed in
the communities. As a first step, however, and as a minimum, all child labour cases in CLMRS
and other child labour reduction programmes should be entered into the government case
management tracking system at local level if there is one.
In Côte d’Ivoire, the government is supporting a system under which a community social worker
goes into communities and spends six months to develop a local child protection programme.
This can be a part of, or in addition to a CLMRS programme. The Côte d’Ivoire government
is currently working to further expand child protection programmes using this methodology.
Including the CLMRS in any existing local child protection case management systems would
be useful. Doing so could also provide useful data over the longer term to further inform and
improve initiatives to eliminate child labour.
3.2.6. CHILD LABOUR CASE MANAGEMENT IN A CHILD PROTECTION SYSTEM
Several things need to be considered for effective child labour case management in a child
protection system. This includes clearly identifying different types of children needing child
protection support, with separate identification of children in child labour. Child labour cases
will also need to identify sub-details on the origin and age of child, the number of hours
worked, the kind of child labour, whether the child is in school or not, and other relevant
information. Such data can then be integrated into a national digital data collection system,
i.e., a Child Protection Case Management Information Management System (CPIMS). Where
currently there are such systems as SOSTECI, a comprehensive CPIMS could integrate SOSTECI
data in Côte d’Ivoire. In Ghana, ensuring that child labour is clearly identified in the CPIMS will
similarly help ensure more comprehensive recognition of the multi-faceted issues329 affecting
children in labour.
The CLMRS and child protection systems can serve to inform and enhance each other.
An integrated system is, in fact, no different from what is available in the EU and many other
countries. Such a system is often labelled as part of a national social welfare system. The
329 Abuse, neglect, exploitation, poor nutrition, disability if any, and other vulnerability aspects as relevant.
142
system has to be adapted to country situations but, overall, it is a logistics management

system for children needing protection.
To achieve child protection coverage, including the elimination of child labour, the technical
capacity of local government staff will need to be strengthened. This should cover a range of
local government and local civil society staff working in the identification and referral of cases
of child labour. The exercise would need to include actors, such as labour inspectors/officers,
local police, social workers, school inspectors, agricultural extension workers, local chiefs
and other leaders. Health workers will need to be trained in identifying injuries and illnesses
associated with hazardous child labour in cocoa and other activities. Resources to ensure that
local government staff can regularly visit communities to identify, refer and follow-up on cases
will be essential.
Interventions under which non-state implementing agencies work side-by-side with district/
sous prefect staff will need to be designed. Resources will be needed to implement such
actions.
3.2.7. BIRTH REGISTRATION
Increased support for birth registration is necessary. Proof of birth registration is usually
required for school attendance. It is important to note, however, that birth registration is vital
not only for education but also to have a legal identity, citizenship, access to social services
and justice, and eventual voting rights.
The researchers noted that some stakeholders who were interviewed were focused on
eliminating birth registration as a requirement to access formal education. However, while in
the short term this may help more children enter education, over the longer term, not ensuring
birth registration of each and every child will be detrimental their rights as children and adults.
Support for birth registration initiatives is thus key and should continue to receive special
focus in child labour initiatives.
3.2.8. SOCIAL PROTECTION
Protection from health, environmental and personal social shocks330 has been identified as
a notable gap to be addressed. The strengthening of social protection systems is important
to help give protection against such shocks. Analysis is needed of the relationship between
child labour and wider social protection coverage in terms of health care insurance/assistance,
330 Such as divorce, abandonment, adolescent pregnancy.
143
agriculture insurance, disability insurance and other social protection mechanisms in order to
have a greater impact on eliminating child labour.
Once the analysis is complete more targeted support can be planned, i.e., to address the
poverty that contributes to child labour. It is recommended, therefore, to increase the focus on
ensuring that the most vulnerable families in or at risk of child labour can get access to cash
transfers or material support. While the experience with cash transfers is mixed, well-targeted
support can be beneficial. It is key that such targeted cash transfers link effectively with other
child labour initiatives in cocoa production areas or they will be less effective.
Linking households to other available safety nets in cocoa-producing communities is also

key. This means coordination with other government and non-state development actors who
provide support for access to health care and other forms of insurance.
Agriculture insurance that protects farmers from environmental and other disasters needs
attention.331 Reviews indicate that the provision of crop insurance can be challenging since
it is complex to manage in the case of cocoa.332 However, to ensure that an insured farmer
qualifies for reimbursement it is necessary to assess how much yield per hectare would have
been before and after a difficult harvest. Farmers may, further, be tempted to apply pest and
disease management techniques less actively, since they know they will be paid even if the
harvest is affected. 333
3.2.9. ACCESS TO QUALITY EDUCATION
An increased focus is needed on improving access to quality education and other social
services.
This includes:
• Ensuring quality, formal early, primary and secondary education
• Strengthening the pedagogical skills of teachers, including ending corporal punishment and
other violence in schools
• School feeding
• Support for children vulnerable to child labour to attend school, with school materials,
uniforms and other materials supplied as needed
331 FAO (2018) Climate Smart Agriculture Sourcebook. 08 08 2020. Available from http://www.fao.org/climate-smart-
agriculture-sourcebook/enabling-frameworks/en/
332 Swisscontact (2017), Micro-Insurance for Cocoa Farmers, West Jakarta: Swisscontact Indonesia Country Office.
333 Ibid.
144
• Bridging classes for children who have dropped out of school and are in child labour or at
risk of child labour, so that they can be reintegrated into education.
• Support to access birth registration, so that children can be officially enrolled in education.
• Labour market-relevant vocational and technical skills training and literacy training for
youth and adults.
There is already much experience and many good practices with providing such bridging
education with children in cocoa producing areas. Additional support for children who are able
and willing to reintegrate into education should be stimulated and supported.
Children and youth should be educated on child labour, child trafficking and violence against
children including through peer education in the school setting.
Special attention needs to be placed on social inclusion of vulnerable groups - e.g., girls/women,
youth, children and household with persons with disabilities and/or living with and/or affected
by HIV, migrants and trafficked children and others.
3.2.10. PEDAGOGY AND SCHOOL-BASED COUNSELLING
Access to quality education - through joint public private investments, such as CLEF and Elan,
as well as other education programmes will require support in terms of teacher capacities and
training. It is recommended that the EU and other donors provide support to initiatives, such as
CLEF and ELAN. These initiatives are fundamental to ensuring that children have good health
and start education well and early instead of being taken to the fields.
Teacher and in-service training should, as already stated, include awareness of, and information
on child labour and other child rights issues. Training teachers on using ILO’s Supporting
Children’s Rights through Education, the Arts and the Media (SCREAM)334 modules on child
labour awareness raising could also be beneficial and should be supported.
Good practices gained from past projects include training teachers to mentor individual
children who may be especially vulnerable for a variety of reasons. Personal support for such
children, which may include psycho-social counselling, has been found to be helpful under
several child labour projects.335 This type of mentoring is especially useful in cases where
children have experienced trauma in combination with labour exploitation, such as in trafficking
or other cases of abuse.
334 ILO (2019) SCREAM: Supporting Children’s Rights through Education, the Arts and the Media. Available at https://www.
ilo.org/ipec/Campaignandadvocacy/Scream/lang--en/index.htm. Also available in French.
335 As observed in projects that the lead researcher for the current study observed during evaluations in Indonesia,
Madagascar, Uganda, Zambia.
145
3.2.11. SCHOOL FEEDING
Starting in early education and going at least through primary school, considerable importance
should be placed on provision of school feeding programmes. As stated in Part 2, school
feeding has been found to have a profound impact on school attendance and ensuring that
children go to school and not into child labour.
In rural schools, gardens initiatives can provide at least part of the inputs for school feeding
programmes. Such gardens can also serve to motivate and provide an early understanding of
the importance of agriculture. Teachers can also use the gardens for educational purposes in a
project-oriented approach to teach mathematics, biology and other sciences.
Naturally, hazardous work in school gardens should be avoided. There have been instances
where school children have been involved in school gardening for many hours after school for
the benefit of teachers. It is therefore necesssary for school inspectors and community groups
to monitor these situations.
3.2.12. EDUCATION AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
The situation with COVID19, but also because of the remoteness of many cocoa production
areas, means that more innovative methods of making education available are needed. This
may include a combination of distance education using digital and physical tools and materials
with in-person follow up from teachers.
One example of good practice, ENEZA336, which provides education through SMS (texting) on
simple phones, could be assessed for potential scaling up. Such methods can also serve to
strengthen the training for local teachers, whether they are officially certified or not. Similarly,
such methods can also be used to support those providing training in literacy. Literacy and
numeracy training need to be given over sufficiently long periods to ensure that participants
fully acquire the necessary skills.
3.2.13. TVEST AND DECENT WORK FOR OLDER CHILDREN AND YOUTH
(15 THROUGH 17 AND 18-24)
Particular attention is needed to increase focus on skills development and employment

of older children and youth in decent working conditions. Taking into account the practical
difficulties of integrating young people into employment in general, offering support to
336 ENEZA Education (2020), Learning Never Stops, Available from: https://enezaeducation.com/ Accessed 23/08/2020.
146
facilitate meaningful engagement in cocoa production and ancillary activities could be useful.
Specifically, this means a greater emphasis on addressing issues affecting older children in
the age bracket 15 - 17 years old and young people aged 18 to 24.
Regarding children under 18, this means identifying permitted work for different age groups in
activities related to cocoa production.
3.2.14. EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN COCOA AND ANCILLARY ACTIVITIES
Empowering cocoa communities to play an active role in identifying ancillary activities in

the value chain will uncover many opportunities. Ancillary activities may include FBO record
keeping and simple logistics planning, warehouse management, GPS mapping of farms,
marketing and other management subjects related to cocoa production. Young people can
also play supporting roles as apprentices in agriculture extension training activities within
communities and in carrying out tasks such as organic compost making. In addition, ancillary
work may also cover other subjects, such as making wooden pallets for cocoa bags, work tools
and equipment, and jute bags.
When providing technical vocational education and skills training (TVEST) it is vital to ensure
that there is sufficient employment available at local level. Lessons learned from past
experience indicate that a proper analysis of the labour market needs to be carried out for
TVEST graduates.337
Too often, only very elementary labour market assessments are made that do not take account
of local issues, such as the ability of young people to find employment away from their villages
of origin. This is particularly problematic for girls, whose parents may not welcome their under-
age daughter living away from the village and working in towns. Even attending training in
towns away from family can be viewed as problematic, for example if places where girls can
be safely housed cannot easily be identified. However, this observation does not mean that
boys should be given training and employment opportunities in towns but not girls. What is
does mean is that such factors need to be carefully considered when identifying potential
types of training and locations.
More places are required at agriculture training schools to achieve greater impact concerning
the inclusion of older children and youth in cocoa production and other forms of employment.
This means providing more agriculture schools or schools with agriculture departments from
337 Based on observations of a range of projects on vocational education and skills training (VEST) or that include VEST
components that one of the two authors of this report implemented.
147
junior secondary school upwards. Such schools need to focus on the development of ancillary
agriculture technical skills.
Governments of the two countries may need assistance from industry, donors in establishing
or strengthening such institutions to provide jobs and sustain their interest in cocoa and/or
agriculture – curbing migration to Europe.
In line with the need for youth skill development, the reinvigoration of the existing Farming
Institute concept should be supported. Such institutes provide short courses in agricultural
colleges in specific practical skills for youth after junior secondary or senior secondary school.
Shorter training modules can also be developed for youth on how to engage in cocoa ancillary
activities. A World Bank study in Ghana indicated that 338 youth training and employment
strategies should focus on several categories. In the case of rural areas this would entail (1)
uneducated youth in rural areas, (2) educated youth (secondary) in rural areas; (3) educated
youth (tertiary) in rural areas. The study cited the usefulness of promoting agriculture
and agribusiness; training in renewable energy such as solar, green construction, and sports.
Analysis of past good practices has further indicated that successful interventions with youth
are those that offer training accompanied with apprenticeship practice, entrepreneurship
training and promotion.339
The governments of the two countries may need assistance from industry and donors in
establishing or strengthening such institutions to provide jobs and maintain the interest of
young people in cocoa and/or agriculture, thereby curbing their desire to migrate to urban
settings or, more adventurously, to Europe.
In line with the need for youth skills development, support needs to be given to the
reinvigoration of the existing concept of farming institutes. Such institutes provide short
courses in agricultural colleges in specific practical skills for young people after they have left
junior secondary or senior secondary school.
Shorter training modules could also be developed for young people on how to engage in
activities ancillary to cocoa production. A World Bank study340 in Ghana indicated that youth
training and employment strategies should focus on a number of target groups. In the case
339 Losch B. (November 2016), Structural Transformation to Boost Youth Labour Demand in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Role
of Agriculture, Rural Areas and Territorial Development, Geneva: ILO.
148
of rural areas this would entail: (1) uneducated youth in rural areas; (2) educated youth (in
secondary education) in rural areas; and (3) educated youth (in tertiary education) in rural
areas. The study cited the usefulness of promoting agriculture and agribusiness, training in
renewable energy, such as solar, green construction, and sports.
3.2.15. OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH AND DECENT WORK

AND OLDER CHILDREN
In similar fashion, there needs to be a greater emphasis on ensuring that occupational safety
and health (OSH) tools and techniques are applied to reduce existing hazards in cocoa. This
includes improved OSH for adults to achieve decent work for all. If incomes, OSH and other
aspects of decent working conditions increase, the interest of young people in working in the
cocoa industry is likely to grow. This will also help address the need to reinvigorate the cocoa
production sector and improve the adoption of new agricultural methods.
In terms of cocoa production itself, young people could be asked to use their creative skills
to suggest solutions on how to reduce hazardous work. Competitions aimed at young people
could be organised to stimulate their participation, so that they can contribute ideas and be
rewarded with prizes for the best ones. This should help raise awareness of the importance
of non-hazardous work to the benefit of older children and adults, while also contributing to
possible innovations in production methods.
A recent FAO341 framework on ending child labour in agriculture also stresses how important
it is to focus on the employment of older children in non-hazardous, decent work conditions.
This calls for a greater emphasis on reducing occupational and safety hazards as well as
monitoring the total number of working hours.
One stakeholder interviewed suggested an example good practice being implemented in Peru,
Albania and Serbia that might be considered in the context of cocoa in Côte d’Ivoire and
Ghana. The practice involved the registration of children under the age of 18 who work in
agriculture and then tracking their situations and overall development. Digital technologies
that directly engage children and young adults in such systems using mobile phones may be
useful in this regard.
Ensuring that children, young people and adults understand that continuous social learning342
and other on-going forms of education are key for long-term poverty reduction and success
in becoming economically empowered is key. This means that for adults, too, a focus on the
341 FAO (2020) FAO framework on ending child labour in agriculture. Rome: FAO.
342 Social learning takes place in a wide community context, mostly through interaction with peers.
149
importance of learning is useful. This includes a focus on entrepreneurship and literacy training,
as required. Basic management skills, including financial management, marketing, logistics
management, stock keeping/warehousing, worker and time management and planning may be
considered. Various international agencies have developed tools and modules for this purpose
that can be used directly or adapted.343
3.2.16. LINKING ELIMINATION OF CHILD LABOUR IN COCOA

WITH DEFORESTATION
As discussed in Part 2, child labour is linked to deforestation. This is especially true in the
case of trafficking, as children are more commonly hidden in the most remote areas where
deforestation for cocoa production occurs. Poverty, poor yields per hectare in existing
plantations and other related factors, such as depleted soils, lead to deforestation. Access for
children to education and other social services in such areas is particularly problematic.
To address these issues a number of efforts need to be intensified. They include the following:
• Reviewing conditions in forested areas and analysis of rules and regulations regarding
access to education for children in protected areas.
• Relocating households, as required, in line with laws and regulations.
• Strengthening the capacities of relevant district level staff of public institutions jointly to
address child labour and forest resource management.
• Enforcing rules and regulations, including the application of punitive measures, as required.
• Sharing situations cases identified with media and integrating them into SBCC methods,
while protecting the identity of persons involved.
• Using participatory methods to develop local by-laws and locally appropriate tools for
reducing child labour in protected forest and nearby areas.
• Ensuring participation in decision-making regarding land use as related to cocoa (and
possible diversified commodities), and forest protection.
• Including the development of agro-forestry as part of forestry protection and food
production for sustainable cocoa production.
3.2.17. DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES AND REDUCING CHILD LABOUR
Much more consideration needs to be given to the development and promotion of digital
technologies in tackling the issues outlined above. While many efforts are underway, the
potential of increasing use of and access to innovative digital technologies is clear. Digital
343 E.g., ILO, FAO, Positive Planet
150
technology can contribute to measures to

address all the challenges associated with
child labour and deforestation. Currently,
digital technologies are already applied to
identify and monitor child labour cases (and
those at risk of child labour). Various digital
technology methods are also being used
to plan cacao production and marketing,
logistics, child education, cooperative and
association management, identifying and
tracking farms through GPS and for other Ghana – Creative Commons
tasks. In addition to handheld and desk top

devices, drones are also being used for GPS tracking.
While the subject of digital technology development is cross-cutting, as it applies to many

subject areas linked to achieving the goal of eliminating child labour, it also deserves its own
special sub-heading. Examples of its application include efforts to use simple mobile phones
to strengthen general education344 and technical and vocational education and skills training
(TVEST). There are also existing good practices of using digital technology for simple financial
management 345 that can be scaled up. One programme that has been used to develop digital
technologies for application in agriculture, with a special focus on youth, is ending in December
2020.346 It has been running for 35 years and will be leaving behind a large collection of
information and methods that could be of interest.
A new programme in Ghana that the Mastercard Farmer Network and Rabobank are developing,
is establishing a digital platform that makes it safer and simpler for smallholder farmers to
grow their businesses.347 It would be useful to explore ways in which this could be used by
cocoa farmers, particularly in areas with high vulnerability to child labour.
344 ENEZA, for example, works in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana using such technology. ENEZA Education (2020), Learning Never
Stops, Available from: https://enezaeducation.com/ Accessed 23/08/2020. Also, see Ministère de l’Éducation Nationale
de Côte d’Ivoire, (2020), Les Enseignants Préconisent l’Adoption des Approches Pédagogiques de GEZCI. (Global
E-Schools and Communities Initiative), Available from http://www.education.gouv.ci/communique-de-presse-sbc/
345 Positive Planet (2020), Positive Planet International Afrique de l’Ouest et Centrale. Available from
http://positiveplanetinternational.org/projects/zone/2/afrique-de-louest-et-centrale.html Accessed 08/07/2020.
346 Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Co-operation (CTA) (programme ends in December 2020) Youth,
digitalisation and climate resilience are CTA’s priority intervention areas.
Available from https://www.cta.int/en/about-cta. Website consulted 06/05/2020.
347 PYMNTS.com (2019), Mastercard Launches Digital Sales Platform For Farmers (in Emerging Markets) Available
from https://www.pymnts.com/mastercard/2019/mastercard-launches-digital-sales-platform-for-farmers/ Website
consulted 01/09/2020.
151
Digital technologies can be particularly useful in motivating and engaging older young people,
who can also contribute ideas for its further development. Young people can be trained to
use digital technology to support cocoa production, logistics management, GPS monitoring of
farms in forested areas, and for other tasks. Competitions and prizes can be used to encourage
young people to identify further opportunities for innovation and progress in the use of digital
technology in subjects related to the cocoa value chain, education and social services, and the
monitoring of child labour and farms in forested areas.
In addition, it will be especially necessary to integrate digital technology systems that are used
in CLMRS into child data protection systems. This also means that users of systems other
than CLMRS should use and integrate digital technologies so that the information gathered
is more reliable, valid and efficiently collected. In both countries data on child labourers and
those at risk are held in larger databases, such as SOSTECI, and in child protection information
management systems. The further development of such database should be explored.
152
3.3. COORDINATION OF INTERNATIONAL

AND NATIONAL LEVEL SYSTEMS

1. Develop well organised multi-stakeholder process through the Transformative Agenda
(focus on leadership, coordination, and accountability) at international, national, and
decentralised level.
2. Harmonise and strengthen legal and regulatory frameworks and their enforcement.
3. Establish mechanisms at national and local level (district/sous-préfecture)

where vertical and horizontal joint planning, communications and coordinated
implementation of synergistic actions is based.
4. Develop detailed operational plans with clear roles and responsibilities of planners
and implementing stakeholders based on the identified root causes and gaps.
5. Ensure written evidence of alignment of initiatives with Government and International

Plans, Conventions, and Guidelines.
6. Strengthen partnerships and cross border agreements between Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana,
Burkina Faso, and Mali.
7. Scale up agreements and initiatives for the return and reintegration of trafficked
children to return home.
8. Implement methods for quantitative and qualitative data collection and sharing of
information from international to national to local and the reverse being implemented.
Internationally, many networks and discussion groups have focused on child labour and
sustainable cocoa production. The proliferation of such forums has been beneficial to
discussions but has also led to the need for more concerted and streamlined coordination
between the major stakeholders. This study is intended to provide inputs for consideration into
this dialogue.
An important, overarching international mechanism is the recently launched EU Multi-

Stakeholder Dialogue for Sustainable Cocoa.348 This platform is expected to play a key role in
addressing child labour and sustainability issues. It aims to manage the cocoa value chain in
348 Sustainable Cocoa Initiative (2020), EU Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue for Sustainable Cocoa: Concept Note, Brussels:
Sustainable Cocoa Initiative.
153
a way that addresses consumers’ demand for cocoa products that are free from all types of
exploitation, give farmers fair prices and are environmentally sustainable.
The EU Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue for Sustainable Cocoa349 has several objectives:

• To advance the responsible practices of EU businesses involved in cocoa supply chains
• To feed into other relevant Commission initiatives (e.g., on due diligence, deforestation)
• To feed into the policy dialogue between the EU and the producer countries
• To identify projects supporting sustainable cocoa production.
Stakeholder inputs into the sustainable cocoa initiative will contribute to other relevant
European Commission initiatives such as:
• the implementation of trade and sustainable development aspects under Economic
Partnership Agreements.
• upcoming international cooperation programmes (including strengthened coordination
between the support programmes of the EU and its Member States, partner countries, and
international organisations).
• possible horizontal mandatory legislation on corporate governance encompassing due
diligence at the EU level.
• a planned legislative proposal to minimise the risk of deforestation associated with products
placed on the EU market350;
• relevant initiatives under the Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP)351 such as:
– the development of legislation on “green claims”, 352
– transparency initiatives under the Farm to Fork (F2F) Communication which is at the
heart of the European Green Deal aiming to make food systems fair, healthy and
environmentally-friendly.353
These discussions should take account of the dialogues concerning the facilitation of
trade relations and trade integration processes, including investment flows and economic
partnerships as related to cocoa.
349 Ibid.
350 European Commission (2020), Deforestation and forest degradation – reducing the impact of products placed on the
EU market. Available from https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12137-Minimising-
the-risk-of-deforestation-and-forest-degradation-associated-with-products-placed-on-the-EU-market Accessed
22/09/2020.
351 See Section 3.7 on food in particular European Commission (2020b), Circular Economy Action Plan For a Cleaner
and More Competitive Europe # Green Deal, Available from https://ec.europa.eu/environment/circular-economy/pdf/
newcirculareconomyactionplan.pdf Accessed 22/092020.
352 “Green claims are assertions made by firms about the environmentally beneficial qualities or characteristics of
their goods and services. They can refer to the manner in which products are produced, packaged, distributed, used,
consumed and/or disposed of. In addition to environmental aspects, these claims are sometimes defined to include the
socially responsible or ethical manner in which products are produced and distributed.” OECD (2011), Environmental
Claims Findings and Conclusions of the OECD Committee on Consumer Policy, Paris: OECD. Page 3.
353 European Commission (2020), Farm to Fork Strategy – for a fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly food system,
Available from https://ec.europa.eu/food/farm2forken Accessed 22/09/2020.
154
The roles of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) along the value chain should not be ignored,
since they are responsible for most of the estimated 50%354 of the value chain not covered
by the major cocoa companies. Their role and responsibility in any due diligence programme
should be discussed and agreed with them.
Evidence and research-based exchanges on agricultural development with a special focus on

cocoa will be needed to inform the discussions, particularly as rapid technical innovations and
production methods based digital technologies advance.
In addition to the inputs from governments of the producer countries, cocoa industry networks,
the EU, its member states and their bilateral agencies, and specialised agencies, such as
the ILO, UNICEF, FAO and UNEP should also make contributions to the discussions. Existing
industry networks, with their long experience and stake in the deliberations, have a key role.
Researchers, NGOs and rights advocacy groups could also be asked to contribute. The ICI, as
a multi-stakeholder organisation, could further provide support for the bridging of policy and
other gaps between stakeholders.
Other essential stakeholders are workers’ organisations, e.g., the International Union of Food,
Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations (IUF),
the European Federation of Trade Unions in Food, Agriculture and Tourism (EFFAT) and the
International Cocoa Farmers Organisation (ICFO) at international level. Sub-groups within the
Sustainable Cocoa Initiative will also need to address child labour, decent income for farmers,
and deforestation and forest degradation.
All relevant EU, regulatory and policy frameworks need to encourage sustainable cocoa
production, as well as consumer participation and trust. While mechanisms already exist to
obtain input from EU citizens, these need to be specifically oriented to gather information from
the consumers of cocoa products. This can be achieved using media and other communications
methods.
354 According to interviewees.
155
3.3.1. COORDINATED NATIONAL SYSTEMS BUILDING:

PLANNING, INSTITUTIONS, POLICIES, LAWS, REGULATIONS,
AND IMPLEMENTATION
Consultations at national level need to expand to encompass more key stakeholders, including
the EU and other major actors. Horizontal communications, joint planning and implementation
of synergistic actions are needed at each level, including giving a voice to all key local
stakeholders.
Using a systems approach based on international and national inter-relationships is, therefore,
essential. There should be clear targets for different phases as progress is made. Improvements
in the system will increase exponentially, if feedback from data generated within the system
are applied to improve its functioning.
The research team has noted the huge amount of research already undertaken, but also
the low levels of implementation given the knowledge gained. What is most often forgotten
is, therefore, precisely the information feedback loop from experience gained in applying
development methods. The result is that progress is limited, as only some data are used
to inform and improve the existing system. For this reason, systems need to have vertical
feedback channels from international and national levels to community level and vice versa.
However, the data also need to be used all along the way.
It should be remembered, therefore, that data from the community level need to be consistently
and more effectively used to feed back into and inform district planning. Most stakeholders
interviewed noted that there is a need to improve coordination and alignment between all
the implementing agencies in both countries. In particular, there is a need to move away from
relying on information sharing between implementing agencies and calling that “coordination”.
The need to further align corporate practices, trade and implementation of initiatives with
national priorities was stressed many times during the interviews, particularly those with
national stakeholders. Of course, all initiatives and approaches should be aligned with the
overarching labour conventions and guiding documents.
National stakeholders emphasised that, in the past, though addressed planning documents,
implementing actors have tended to develop their own programmes and only afterwards state
how they could fit into national planning. As part of the development of the new national child
labour plans expected in both countries, the intervention matrix needs to define standard task
descriptions for all the actors involved. This means setting out clear and detailed roles and
responsibilities so that actors can be clearly held accountable.
156
Sporadic interventions that do not ensure the sustainability of actions and lack buy-in from key
actors into the official plans chain should be avoided unless the development plan is amended
as a result of feedback during implementation.
It is recommended to integrate planning for the elimination of child labour in all development
policies and plans. While there are references to child labour in a range of development plans
in both countries, this still needs more attention. Similarly, National Child Labour Plans need
to integrate references to other relevant areas of attention such, a national youth policy or a
national nutrition policy, should they exist.
Comprehensive and sustainable economic development or investment to reduce poverty in

cocoa communities will not happen if the enabling environment is not conducive. Appropriate
Institutional reforms and adjustments at the decentralised level in both countries will be
paramount in this regard. Key local public institutions may need to be strengthened and linked
to central government for proper policy coordination and implementation. These institutions
will not only ensure that smallholder cocoa farmers can access essential social services, but
also contribute to critical infrastructural development (i.e., roads, electricity and water etc.).
It is also important to strengthen governance mechanisms to plan, integrate and implement

initiatives on the basis of a risk-oriented governance roadmap. This may include identifying
locations at high risk of child labour in cocoa production. The ICI community child labour risk
calculator is a tool that could be used for this purpose 355 to find cocoa production localities with
relatively high poverty, difficulties in accessing services issues (distance and infrastructure)
and environmental fragility. Within this context, special attention should be paid to high-risk
groups, including women and girls, people with disabilities, trafficked and migrant children of
tenant farmers, the elderly in general, and elderly producers in particular.
Where large scale investments are made to address child labour and other human rights
and environmental issues, it is necessary to ensure that a holistic approach is maintained.
Some interviewees warned of the need to avoid “cherry picking” and only providing funds for
a selected problem with the result that funding is insufficient for other gaps that need to be
addressed.
The strengths offered by each stakeholder can be maximised if multi-stakeholder coordination

is done well at the national and decentralised level. At the decentralised level, it is important
not simply to divide up a cocoa producing area and allocate responsibility for addressing
child labour and sustainability to a single or a few government and other agencies. Rather,
the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities offered by each actor need to be considered.
355 ICI (2020), Our Tools, 08/12/2020. Available from https://cocoainitiative.org/our-work/our-tools/
157
Decisions can then be taken at local level about how best to assign tasks and collaborate,
building on the qualities of each stakeholder. This can then be linked to the Result Based
Management (RBM) process with clear measures and recognition of success. This approach will
require a great deal of governance capacity support at local authority level as it will demand a
mechanism different to that currently being implemented in most localities. However, if there
is an increased focus on improving collaboration and efficiency, then it will provide for a well-
grounded structure at local level.
3.3.2. LEGAL AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK IMPLEMENTATION
As stated in Part 2, the key issues at national level indicate that, while legal and policy
frameworks exist and continue to be developed further, harmonising, implementation and
enforcement need further attention. A gap analysis on the harmonising of laws, regulations,
policies is needed to verify and ensure consistency, coherence and complementarity at all
levels. This includes an analysis of enforcement gaps regarding child labour within the child
protection system and the best methods to develop a strengthened system for application of
laws and regulations, including local by-laws.
The enforcement of existing laws and regulations and the implementation of policies will never
be successful if no functional system exists to make this happen at local level. Decision making
on governance mechanisms still takes place at national level. It is recommended, therefore, that
methods to increase and strengthen enforcement are well articulated in governance planning
documents. This can include increasing the focus on the development of local judicial systems
to pay more attention to child labour cases and for local inspection systems to broaden and
involve more actors. The development and implementation of a monitoring system for the
enforcement of laws and regulations on child labour are advisable.
3.3.3. VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL GOVERNMENT MANAGED

COORDINATION MECHANISMS
While the governments in both countries have relevant coordinating bodies, their profiles need
to be more prominent in terms of their roles and responsibilities for achieving the rights and
well-being of their citizens. Much better coordination of the wide range of cocoa stakeholders
within the producer countries of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana is needed.
In terms of governance, coordination between ministries horizontally at national level (e.g.

education, agriculture, forestry, health, labour, social welfare and others) and at decentralised
levels requires attention.
158
Vertical communications from national down to local FIGURE 8

and vice versa need to be further facilitated in order
to inform overall planning at national level. Currently, Relationship Management
while there are some systems in place to gather and and Coordination
compile data, they are not nationwide and need scaling People
and entities
up, and their quality needs to be improved. relations built to
strengthen relationships
towards achieving the
Feedback loops comprising high-quality data on child overall objective
labour identification, monitoring, remediation and
progress on related issues that influence the prevalence Relationships
of child labour need to be well defined and coordinated strengthened for
in order to strengthen planning. In this context, further strategy design,
implementation including
support is needed to help the governments to play their
governments, cocoa
coordinating roles at decentralised level. Coordination value chain industry, coca
mechanisms should not be multiplied needlessly but, communities, public
wherever possible, aligned within existing government
structures to ensure efficiency. Communities
involved
and included in decision-
making on issues
Decentralised coordination should be strengthened affecting them
based on the specific needs identified in different
localities within the cocoa producing areas. An
Effective,
long-lasting
organisational development analysis using a systems relationships with local
methodology is needed to determine the strengths community groups
and gaps in coordination and achieve this result. identified, established
and retained
While the current study was able to identify the
overall challenges, more specific analysis is needed
Long-lasting

to determine the organisational (governance) relationships with other
development and coordination needs locally. This is third-party organisations
particularly necesssary at district level and could be identified, implemented
and retained
implemented within the context of establishing an IABA
in those areas.
Effective and long-
lasting platforms and
Coordination should go beyond merely exchanging relationships between
information and general planning. It should include cocoa value chain
the creation of clear joint actions and development stakeholders formed,
established and retained
of synergies around initiatives at local level,
preferably including regular streamlined digital
Effective and long-lasting
communications methods.356 relationships with the
general public identified,
established and retained
356 E.g., Local WhatsApp and/or similar groups.
159
3.3.4. INCREASING PARTNERSHIPS ON CROSS BORDER AGREEMENTS:

CÔTE D’IVOIRE, GHANA, BURKINA FASO, MALI
Given the challenges regarding cross-order trafficking described previously, more focus could
be placed on this issue through a multi-stakeholder process driven nationally with inputs
from the border countries. This will require the identification of triggers in countries of origin,
including poverty and the major unapproved routes that human traffickers use. At border
crossings, systems should be put in place involving local communities to identify and report
human traffickers.
The existing agreements between the countries need to be enforced with a clear demonstration
of the consequences for human traffickers who go through borders with child and adult forced
labourers is necessary. For enforcement to be effective, the capacities of personnel at border
crossings to identify children being trafficked should be further strengthened. This includes
raising more awareness of the eventual consequences of trafficking on the children and their
families. It also needs to include capacity strengthening of local authorities in border areas on
how to work with communities to identify and report cases of child trafficking.
The replication at additional border locations of the border police brigades currently being
deployed in Côte d’Ivoire needs further support. In addition, agreements and initiatives for the
return and reintegration of trafficked children need to be scaled up. Direct collaboration with
government and border officials and communities in Burkina Faso and Mali should be part of
these initiatives.
160
3.4. DUE DILIGENCE: AGREEMENTS AND

IMPLEMENTATION

1. Development of detailed operationalised Results-Based Management (RBM) system
to track accountability within agreed to due diligence actions (mandatory and non-
mandatory agreements and traceability systems and tools developed).
2. All planning and implementing stakeholders are included in due diligence RBM system.
3. Targets for implementation phases identified and adopted, guidelines developed and
disseminated.
4. Accountability of institutions and individuals is tracked and monitored.
5. Clear and feasible regulations established and implemented to govern Due Diligence
RBM including penalties.
To bring about real change, a comprehensive, legally binding framework and collective action
plans are necessary. They should be well integrated and aligned to cocoa producing and EU
member government policies and to relevant corporate policies and practices in order to be
effective. They should also include agreed due diligence mechanisms. In this respect, due
diligence should be an obligation on all companies that place cocoa or cocoa products on the
EU market, as key cocoa industry stakeholders have indicated.357 They stressed the need to
provide a common framework through which all cocoa value chain stakeholders are required
to show how they identify and mitigate human rights and environmental risks. This includes all
actors, including SMEs.
Furthermore, due diligence needs to cover not just industry but also the cocoa producer
countries themselves. Producer countries have an critical role and responsibility in ensuring
that cocoa value chains are free from child labour and that deforestation is halted. In addition,
they need to guarantee that all other ratified ILO fundamental principles and human rights,
including child rights, are respected.
The research has found that stakeholders view the issue of due diligence as very critical.
Interviewees drawn from key industry stakeholders and cocoa-producing government
researchers agree that some mandatory as well as voluntary agreements will be needed.
357 Barry Callebaut, Fairtrade, Mars Wrigley, Mondelez International, Rainforest Alliance, VOICE Network (2019)
161
They suggested that such agreements need to focus on bilateral agreements with the Côte
d’Ivoire and Ghana governments as well as with industry. The interest that several of the
industry stakeholders have shown in mandatory agreements is particularly noteworthy. The
main reason they cite is that all industry participants should be equally required to contribute
to fighting child labour and addressing other human rights and environmental challenges. They
noted that, currently, buyers of about 50% of the cocoa production still do not engage in any
form of child labour and/or sustainability programmes or certification. They added that there
is, therefore, a need to “level the playing field”.
Discussions on due diligence, traceability strengthening and associated data collection and
management are already taking place between the cocoa industry, the governments of Côte
d’Ivoire and Ghana, and the EU.
The EU has recently funded research on the subject of due diligence of products from
developing countries.358 The resulting report indicates a clear need for transparent due diligence
mechanisms embedded in robust voluntary and mandatory agreements. The researchers
involved in this study support the EU’s findings and recommendations and, for this reason,
they will not be repeated here.
Based on interviews and detailed document analysis, this study agrees with both the
stipulations provided in the European Cocoa Association’s (ECA) Position Paper, the “Joint
Position Paper on the EU’s policy and regulatory approach to cocoa” signed by Barry Callebaut,
Fairtrade, Mars Wrigley, Mondelez, Rainforest Alliance and the Voice Network in 2019, and
CAOBISCO’S position statement.359 It is noted that the position papers affirm and support the
approaches and guidelines from the main documents concerning business obligations relating
to human rights and sustainability. These include the UN Guiding Principles on Business and
Human Rights360, and the OECD-FAO Guidance for Responsible Agricultural Supply Chains361.
FERN, Tropenbos International and the Fairtrade Advocacy Office also recently published a
study on regulatory options for the EU regarding cocoa supply chains.362 The study concluded
that a combination of options would have the greatest impact, i.e., bilateral agreements with
cocoa producer country governments and due diligence regulations covering cocoa supply chain
358 Smit, L.; Bright, C.; McCorquodale, R.; et. al. (2020), Study on Due Diligence Requirements Through the Supply Chain,
Brussels: European Commission.
359 These were cited in Section 1.3.4 ECA (2019), European Cocoa Association Position Paper on Due Diligence, Brussels:
European Cocoa Association. Barry Callebaut, Fairtrade, Mars Wrigley, Mondelez International, Rainforest Alliance,
VOICE Network (2019), Joint position paper on the EU’s policy and regulatory approach to cocoa. Brussels: Barry
Callebaut, Fairtrade, Mars Wrigley, Mondelez International, Rainforest Alliance, VOICE Network. CAOBISCO (2020),
CAOBISCO Statement Due Diligence, Brussels: CAOBISCO,
360 United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner, (2011), Guiding Principles on Business and Human
Rights, Geneva: United Nations.
361 OECD-FAO (2016), OECD‑FAO Guidance for Responsible Agricultural Supply Chains, Paris: OECD.
362 Brack, D. (2019), Towards Sustainable Cocoa Supply Chains: Regulatory Options for the EU. Brussels: Fern, Tropenbos
International, and Fairtrade.
162
companies operating in the EU. Additionally, the study recommends a review of, and possible
amendments in competition laws to help companies address the problem of low prices for
producers by allowing them to increase collaboration for long-term sustainability purposes. 363
Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana could be asked to produce their own position paper as part of the
policy dialogue process. In this way, their opinions would be clearly heard and they could also
state how they view their own key responsibilities with regard to the implementation of due
diligence and traceability. Ideally, such country position papers would incorporate the views
of a range of key national stakeholders. As the CAOBISCO Position Paper indicates, the EU
must engage in dialogue with the cocoa producing countries to create the right framework of
agreement to drive change.364
An EU due diligence strategy needs to consider the multiple aspects that need to be addressed
truly to achieve the elimination of child labour and stop deforestation. The specific issues that
contribute to poverty need to be reviewed and discussed.
It is essential in this context to consider some of the most critical suggestions put forward to
date that the research has found to be well aligned with the analysis of the results from this
study. These include suggestions from the above-mentioned position papers.365 The following
paragraphs draw on these position papers and other inputs from stakeholders interviewed, as
well as documentation reviewed for this study.
The current study aims to propose some initial solutions and directions to take in developing
voluntary and mandatory agreements and due diligence systems. However, the study cannot
be exhaustive as the development of these mechanisms will require discussion with, and the
participation of the key stakeholders. Overall suggestions are proposed below.
Companies should be required to:
1. Detail how they will adhere to the laws, regulations, agreements, policies and
development planning of the producer countries. This includes all labour laws and
regulations, whether they occur in the formal or informal economy setting and as
applicable to children and adults. Noting that environmental sustainability is linked to
child labour they will likewise detail how they will adhere to all existing and future
laws, regulations and agreements pertaining forest and biodiversity protection in the
countries.
363 Ibid.
364 CAOBISCO (2020), CAOBISCO Statement Due Diligence, Brussels: CAOBISCO
365 These were cited in Section 1.3.4 ECA (2019), European Cocoa Association Position Paper on Due Diligence, Brussels:
European Cocoa Association. Barry Callebaut, Fairtrade, Mars Wrigley, Mondelez International, Rainforest Alliance,
VOICE Network (2019), Joint position paper on the EU’s policy and regulatory approach to cocoa. Brussels: Barry
Callebaut, Fairtrade, Mars Wrigley, Mondelez International, Rainforest Alliance, VOICE Network. CAOBISCO (2020),
CAOBISCO Statement Due Diligence, Brussels: CAOBISCO.
163
2. Detail how they will adhere to and integrate their actions - whether business or
development initiatives - with national child labour, youth, decent work and environmental
protection plans at national and local level. In addition, operationalised details on this
integration should be clearly stipulated in all proposed initiatives and projects.
3. Provide support for the development of national traceability systems that extend
beyond the existing industry-managed systems. Traceability systems should be clear
and streamlined to enable the application of practical and efficient methods. Where
possible, digital systems, such as blockchain, should be tested and integrated, if found
to be good practice. Physical (source, environmental conditions) and social (child labour,
forced labour) traceability of cocoa beans need to be included in the traceability system.
Noting that it is not feasible to physically audit child labour on each (remote) farm, it is
recognised that community groups and FBOs will participate in traceability. To address
challenges regarding hidden child labour, the system should regularly audit as close to
the farm level as feasible and include unannounced audit visits, even in remote areas.
Reporting needs to be transparent and include sharing of findings with child protection
committees in cocoa localities for follow up.
4. Provide commitments to implement ILO core conventions, and other ILO and human
rights conventions that Côte d’Ivoire and/or Ghana have ratified. This includes those
that are specific to child labour but also other ILO labour standards and human rights
conventions, most particularly the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.366 Other
commitments include, but are not limited to, the Guiding Principles on Business and
Human Rights367, the OECD-FAO (2016), Guidance for Responsible Agricultural Supply
Chains; and the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure368. Where
the standards in international law exceed those in national laws, companies will seek to
meet the spirit of the international standard.369
5. Embed the above mechanisms and commitments in company strategies, policies, plans
and management systems. In accordance with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for
Responsible Business Conduct370, they should identify and present operationalised
descriptions of how risks of actual and potential adverse impacts on people, the
environment and society associated with the enterprise’s operations, products or
services will be mitigated.371
6. Provide regular reporting on how and where companies select localities for cocoa
sourcing, interventions to address child labour, deforestation and other development
initiatives. The choice of cocoa sourcing and intervention locations should not only
366 United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner, (2011), Guiding Principles on Business and Human
Rights, Geneva: United Nations.
367 Ibid.
368 FAO, CFS Committee on World Food Security (2012), Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of
Land, Fisheries and Forests in the Context of National Food Security, Rome: FAO.
370 OECD (2018), OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct, Paris: OECD.
371 Ibid.
164
include easily accessible and well-serviced localities. Development interventions should,

in particular, be oriented towards localities carrying the highest risk of child labour and
deforestation.
7. Have independent, third-party specialists conduct audits, as indicated in the ECA position
paper.372 Such reports will be provided, together with companies’ own progress reports,
to the EU for review on a regular basis (timing to be determined).
8. Contribute to the development and implementation of national cocoa sustainability
standards as aligned with global conventions children’s rights, the new African
standards, and any other relevant agreements and standards. Support endeavours to
achieve a good level of convergence and coherence between the standards.
9. Contribute to the development and implementation of potential mitigation strategies in
case of crisis, emergencies and disasters on child labour and other aspects that impact
responsible and sustainable cocoa production. This includes situations such as COVID19,
political crisis, droughts and others.
EU role and responsibilities in the framework of due diligence should include:
1. Reviews of company due diligence, traceability methods, reporting on interventions

and integration into government systems need to be conducted using tried and tested
operational methods to identify compliance fairly and accurately.
2. Development of legal penalties for non-compliance to help ensure that there is a
real impact on reducing child labour and deforestation. Using a participatory dialogue
approach, agreement on time-bound penalties should be reached with companies,
governments and other stakeholders.
3. Operationalised definitions of standards that will be accepted as evidence of compliance
should be defined and agreed, i.e., standards should be accompanied by clear practical
definitions that detail how it will be decided whether a standard is being fully applied.
The roles and responsibilities of the country governments in the framework of due diligence
are to contribute to the development and implementation of the due diligence system in all
the aspects cited above. This is in line with the solutions proposed in Section 3.4.
It is necessary to see the due diligence approaches as part of broader efforts to address child
and forced labour. Good practices, lessons learned and technical support can be gained from
linking to broader efforts.
Due diligence should not become an overly costly exercise that only serves as a punitive
system for non-compliance. It should be very clear which representative core measures will
165
be used to ascertain compliance. It is easy for a due diligence system to become too detailed,
while funding may be better used to address the root causes and reduce the gaps that affect
the prevalence of child labour.
Consensus is needed among all partners on the core measures, which need to be clear
and developed by technical experts with experience in child labour in cocoa production.
Governments, international agencies, the ICI and relevant international NGOs can be associated
in the discussions. Such core measures would only be for traceability purposes, so other, more
detailed measures, including factors such as orphanhood and disability status would still need
to be collected and integrated into child protection, CLMRS and other child labour reduction
systems. Core measures could, for example, include whether the farm household children
under 18 are in any form of education; not in child labour; in non-hazardous labour for ages
15 + (or whatever age is agreed).
3.4.1. ALLIANCE 8.7 AND DUE DILIGENCE
Linking due diligence efforts to the Alliance 8.7 system will be helpful. Suh efforts are well
aligned with the previously discussed solutions to child labour overall and the due diligence
aspects in particular. Pathfinder countries are expected to turn their commitments to eliminate
child labour into action. At a national level, Pathfinder countries convene strategic planning
workshops on Target 8.7373 (to explore opportunities for collaboration and define national
priorities). Determining how the due diligence agreements fit with and are integrated with
Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana Alliance 8.7 Pathfinder country initiatives will be valuable. Then
implementing the conclusions from such an analysis will be necessary.
3.4.2. THE TRANSFORMATIVE AGENDA AND RESULTS BASED MANAGEMENT
Adopting the transformative agenda approach can lead to greater impact and results. This
means establishing comprehensive results-based management (RBM) of all people and
organisations (actors) who contribute directly or indirectly to the result. It includes mapping
out their work processes, products and services, showing how they contribute to the outcomes
being pursued. This information is then used to identify appropriate measures of progress.
373 Sustainable Development Goal Target 8.7 states: “Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labour,
end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child
labour, including recruitment and use of child soldiers, and by 2025 end child labour in all its forms.” ILO (2020), ILO
Contributions to Achieve Target 8.7. 15/09/2020. Available from https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/sdg-2030/goal-8/
target-8-7/lang--en/index.htm
166
The proposed RBM system374 should be extended to include the monitoring of the due diligence
system. This should not be too difficult as many companies are already implementing RBM or
similar methods. The reason for proposing RBM is to ensure that objectives and outputs/targets
are clearly worded in operationalised terms for easy measurement. Normally, commonly used
development frameworks, such as logical frameworks, theory of change and others, include
similarities with RBM. However, RBM tends to be more specific in that it assigns roles and
responsibilities to individuals within company/agency management structure and enables
staff to be held accountable in a concrete way for the implementation of their assigned duties.
Rather than relying on the usual development indicators at each level, the RBM would
need to be applicable to all parts of plans and programmes down to the local level, even
community level, thereby contributing to accountability. Accountability of government and
non-government staff at individual level is recommended as part of the overall system. Such
methods have been implemented in Kenya since 2007 as part of its Vision 2030 strategic
plan.375 Useful lessons from the Kenyan experience and from other African countries can be
applied to attaining the objectives concerning child labour and sustainable cocoa production.376
Participatory planning to address child labour issues using a multi-sectoral approach to tackle
the issues should identify the roles and responsibilities for each group and individual taking
part in the processes. Targets for the actors then need to be clearly stated in the context of an
RBM approach.
It should be noted that achieving a results-oriented culture is as much about changing

behaviours as it is about improving systems, tools and capacities.
Experience377 indicates that implementing good RBM can be challenging in development

programmes. Poor regulations governing the RBM, interference from senior staff or political
leaders, poor attitudes towards change, weak monitoring and evaluation, poor design and
adoption of relevant technologies have all been identified as challenges in past initiatives.
However, it should be noted that, currently, many different methods that use objectives,
indicators, targets, operationalised outputs and other such elements already exist. The main
intention of RBM is to integrate these factors into overall planning processes in the same
way that they are used in private enterprise management. It should be noted that the United
Nations also uses RBM to monitor and evaluate staff and overall progress. By being aware
of the possible challenges to implementing RBM in local settings, it will be possible to design
methods to overcome them.
374 (Government and non-state actors)

375 Kenya Vision 2030 (2020), Results Based Management, Available from http://vision2030.go.ke/project/results-based-
management/ Accessed 30/08/2020.
376 Langat, G., Otundo, M. (2018), Result Based Management and Performance of Projects in Public Sector, Nairobi:
University of Nairobi.
377 Ibid.
167
3.4.3. DATA MANAGEMENT FIGURE 9

Components of functioning child
The development of a mainstreaming tool to labour data management system
integrate the child labour dimension and decent
work in all key commodity sectors - not only cocoa Data Management
- requires some attention. This is to overcome and Integration
the challenges that may occur when children Data sources and methods
are displaced from cocoa into other commodity for data access, capture
production chains. and storage configured and
managed
Stakeholders interviewed for this study stressed

Reports that translate raw data
the need to collect more qualitative data on a large into information and insights
scale as opposed to mostly collecting it in individual published and disseminated
communities to inform community planning.
Qualitative information is seen as important for Graphical representation of
raw data, information and
the accurate planning and prioritising of national
insights prepared to enable
and regional policies and implementation plans. users to identify concepts,
patterns, trends
Another point frequently mentioned was the
importance of having more granular and evolving Data collection on relevant
data on child labour by age category and by child labour issues designed,
implemented, analysed,
different types of work, level of exposure to results clarified to inform data
hazardous work and time allocation. Regarding integration and use
age, details should be collected in accordance with
whether the child is allowed to engage in light work Destination
locations and
for his/her age and whether it is in non-hazardous execution of data movements
between locations configured
labour, if between 15/16 and 18 years old.
and managed
A further challenge that some stakeholders cited

Transformation rules for
and which needs consideration is the data that modifying and converting data
the cocoa industry and/or other non-government to meet objectives configured
actors collects. Some stakeholders noted the and managed
importance of involving local government for
Integrated
collected data,
authentication of data at source. How data are visualisations and simulations
collected, and the ethics and quality of data into usable formats and used
collection need discussion. This subject may be to improve informed decision-
covered in dialogue between industry, international making
organisations, the EU and other stakeholders.
168
Additional data management and analysis solutions include:

• Improving quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis.
• Channelling child protection data collected at local level up through local government to
inform national data systems under a separate heading for child labour.
• Reviewing data on a specified regular basis and using the data collected to inform and
improve the functioning of systems at each level.
• Establishing a community of practice online on child labour in ghana and côte d’ivoire
involving the increased use of digital technologies and platforms to share good practices,
lessons learned, solutions to issues, (e.g. Slack, whatsapp groups, project management
platforms), instead of relying on email and in-person meetings.
3.5. SOCIAL INCLUSION

Clear inclusion in all child labour policies, laws and regulations, child labour reduction
actions to gender, youth, people with disabilities, trafficked persons and migrants, elderly,
people living with and/or affected by HIV.
Ensuring that special attention is paid to vulnerable groups and, where necessary, developing
specific mechanisms to address their needs, should be part of any child labour initiative.
Efforts should include a focus on women and girls, out-of-school children, youth, migrants/
trafficked persons, people living with and/or affected by HIV and the elderly, including elderly
cocoa farmers. Ensuring the rights of children with disabilities in education and promoting
their inclusion in education are also as an essential part of any initiatives on child labour.
Gender issues need vital consideration. Most child labour elimination initiatives focus on
ensuring girls are included. It is key that all future initiatives and actions likewise ensure that
attention is placed on the inclusion of girls, including in TVEST training.
Considerable effort should be focused on identifying more women to operate in the field as
staff in child labour reduction initiatives, including management positions on the ground. Due
to the remoteness of many of the cocoa communities, several agencies have indicated that
it can be very difficult to identify qualified women to work in such locations.378 However, it is
378 For ethical reasons the agencies concerned are kept anonymous. However, it should be noted that the information is based
in an analysis of child labour project evaluations and direct evaluations that one of the research team members conducted.
169
evident from experience in the field that having a strong presence of women on the staff is
important for effective work in the communities. Community women, including local women
leaders, are responsive to women field workers. While men can also be good role models,
ensuring the inclusion of women field workers is also relevant to showing how women can
play key roles as local development officials and to motivating and encouraging girls to do the
same.
Support is needed for the development and enforcement of regulations to ensure that girls do
not drop out of school, if they become pregnant and/or enter into child marriage.
Consideration should also be given to the fact that adult hired workers on cocoa plantations,
both female and male, may also work in hazardous and exploitative conditions and therefore
deserve protection. The challenges of migrant (tenant) workers and their children, children
and adults who have been trafficked, particularly cross-border, need to be taken into account.
Children who are trafficked are particularly vulnerable to physical abuse in addition to labour
exploitation.379
Ensuring decent work for all, not only for older children but also for adults and, especially,
persons with diminished physical abilities, requires a particular focus. The work of elderly
persons in cocoa plantations, especially for long hours in hazardous conditions, requires a
response within this context. The age at which a person can no longer carry out heavy physical
work varies from person to person.
It is essential to consider the wider context in which child labourers or those at risk of child
labour are identified. Existing initiatives to reduce child labour often provide some support for
households, such as helping them to diversify income, developing village savings and loan
schemes, and other approaches to increase income. However, specifically identifying tenant
farmers and their particular situations, and children with disabilities or households affected
by disabilities and/or HIV is not common when conducting child labour identification exercises.
Having data on the household situation regarding the status of its members can help inform
planning for future initiatives, so that they are more relevant to the conditions of such
households. All cases of forced labour therefore need to be identified and the relevant laws
and regulations applied to their cases. The data from these their cases need to be consolidated
and used to inform future planning.
379 Construction Review Online (2020), Ghana commence upgrade of TVET infrastructure, Available from https://
constructionreviewonline.com/2020/01/ghana-commence-upgrade-of-tvet-infrastructure/ Accessed 10/09/2020.
170
3.6. COUNTRY SPECIFIC SOLUTIONS

FOR CÔTE D’IVOIRE AND GHANA
The evidence collected during the study, from interviews with key stakeholders and
documentation, indicates that the overall root causes, gaps, and solutions are similar in the
two countries. Stakeholders said that differences are more a question of the scale of the
challenges and solutions. The main solutions for national planning, such as addressing poverty,
strengthening coordination and capacities, scaling up CLMRS, birth registration, better access
to quality education and others, are the same. The principal differences are to be found at the
decentralised level. The physical environment, the availability and quality of services, social
and cultural specificities and other elements vary from locality to locality. For this reason, the
recommendations remain the same with the caveat that, as recommended, it is essential to
ensure that at district/sous préfecture level planning and implementation is carried out using
participatory multi-stakeholder methods.
3.6.1. CÔTE D’IVOIRE
1. Strengthening support to ensure children are registered at birth, in particular in the

case of multi-generational immigrants and children of unknown parents or others who
would otherwise be stateless.380 The challenges regarding statelessness and the labelling
of children as non-Ivorian, even if their family has lived in the country for generations,
should be addressed. Being labelled as “other” not only adds to their vulnerability
and difficulties in accessing services, but can also add to identity confusion. A child’s
nationality strongly influences social identity and thus her or his development.381
2. Increasing the focus on strengthening cooperatives management in Côte d’Ivoire.

As stated in Part 2, there are more cooperatives in Côte d’Ivoire than in Ghana but they
face many challenges. Given that cooperatives have also acted as channels for initiatives
on child labour - and are likely to do so even more in the future – strengthening their
capacities is essential. Any initiative to address child labour through a cooperative need
to conduct an organisational capacities assessment to ensure that the cooperative is
capable of implementing the actions expected. If it is not and it is possible to provide
support to bridge any capacity gaps, such support should be given.
380 Adjami, M. (2016), Statelessness and Nationality in Côte d’Ivoire: A study for UNHCR, Geneva: UNHCR. See page 39.
381 UNCCT (2019), Handbook: Children affected by the foreign-fighter phenomenon: Ensuring a child rights-based
approach. Geneva: UNCCT.
171
3.6.2. GHANA
1. Eliminate illegal surface minding which is continuing to upsurge and is a major

threat to sustainable cocoa production in Ghana. The cumulative negative impact
of illegal surface mining in cocoa growing areas in Ghana requires urgent attention,
now. These mining activities cannot coexist with sustainable cocoa production in their
present destructive form. Such mining is among the biggest threats to sustainable cocoa
production and the environment. For over a decade now, there have been intermittent
upsurges of illegal surface mining fuelled by the strong belief of some young people
that it is the only way out of poverty. Illegal mining’s many aspects and how it threatens
sustainable cocoa production need investigation.
2. Institutional reforms required at the Ghana Cocoa Board, especially at CRIG. Some
institutional reforms, which started in COCOBOD need to be deepened, including those
relate to child labour. The following are suggestions to further strengthen COCOBOD
and its services to farmers and the cocoa industry:
– Strategic review is required of COCOBOD’s working methods to better align them

with current global objectives, including quicker response to international business
conduct guidelines, the SDGs and strengthening internal capacity for sustainable
cocoa production and marketing.
– Research recommendations need to be applied to ensure farmers implement
improved technological packages. The Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) has
been concerned for some decades as to why farmers are not adopting improved
technologies. Ayenor382, Aneani383 and Asamoah384 have all addressed this subject but
CRIG has not made adjustments that could change the narrative. CRIG needs to act on
the recommendations made in the studies.
– CRIG should be open and collaborate more to benefit from other world perspectives.
This requires collaboration with universities that specialise in, or have specialised
departments focusing on agriculture. It also includes putting into action theories
developed regarding the democratisation of science in agricultural research in Ghana.385
This means the involvement of beneficiaries in design, implementation and decision-
making when applying research results.
382 Ayenor, G.K., A. van Huis, N.G Röling & B. Padi, D. Obeng-Ofori (2007). Assessing the effectiveness of Local Agricultural
Research Committee approach in diffusing sustainable cocoa production practices: The case of capsid control in
Ghana. International Journal of Agricultural Sustainability. 5:2-3, 109-123.
383 Aneani, F, V. M. Anchirinah, F. Owusu-Ansah & M. Asamoah (2012). Adoption of Some Cocoa Production Technologies
by Cocoa Farmers in Ghana. Accra: Social Science & Statistics Unit, Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana.
384 Asamoah, M. F. Aneani, S, Ofori, P. F. Branor (2015). Analysis of Farmers Adoption Behaviour of CRIG Recommended
Technologies as a Package: The Case of Some Self-Help Cocoa Farmer Associations in the Eastern Region of Ghana.
CRIG. Scientific Research Publishing Inc.: Available from: https://www.scirp.org/html/3-300110457598.htm Accessed
01/09/2020.
385 Funtowicz, S. and Ravetz, J., 1993. “Science for the post-normal age”, Futures, 31(7): 735-755.
172
– The number of partnerships between COCOBOD and farmers’ organisations, industry

actors and research firms, need to increase through multi-stakeholder platforms at
national and decentralised levels.
3.7. Social Behaviour Change communications

1. Scale up, further improve and use awareness raising methods; use community oriented
Social Behaviour Change (SBCC) approaches.
2. Develop a SBCC strategy guide to inform the interventions and disseminate to child
labour and deforestation reduction stakeholders.
As part of the capacity strengthening of local government and other implementers of child
labour initiatives, an important focus needs to be placed on awareness raising oriented to
social behaviour change communications (SBCC).386 One lesson learned from evaluations
of child labour projects is the importance of advocacy and awareness raising with all
stakeholders vertically and horizontally along the value chain,387 i.e. vertically from national to
the decentralised level in districts/sous prefecture and communities and horizontally to cover
all relevant stakeholders at each level.
A key element of the communications should be to ensure that relevant actors at national,
local and community level understand and apply the ILO convention definition of child labour.
National laws on these definitions need to be clearly disseminated in local languages. It is
particularly necessary to explain the difference between light work for younger children, regular
non-hazardous work for older children and hazardous child labour.
While in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana national level stakeholders are sufficiently aware of the
issues overall388, at the decentralised level much more needs to be done. Awareness raising
of all stakeholders concerning laws, regulations and policies is critical. Translation into local
386 Health Communication Collaborative (2016), SBCC for Emergency Preparedness Implementation Kit, Baltimore: Johns
Hopkins University.
387 Zegers, M. (2019), Interim Performance Evaluation: Supporting Sustainable and Child Labor Free Vanilla Growing
Communities in Sava, Madagascar. Arlington, VA: MSI.
388 With some exceptions as advocacy and awareness raising is a continual process.
173
languages and preparation of easily understood materials for appropriate dissemination will
be required. These materials can also be combined with other awareness-raising methods on
child labour and decent work for all in communities.
While many of the existing awareness raising methods on child labour being used in Côte
d’Ivoire and Ghana can be identified as a good practice,389 there are nonetheless areas that
need scaling up and improvement. A review of good practices indicates that a comprehensively
oriented approach using a range of mechanisms is likely to lead to considerable behaviour
change among all stakeholders, including community members.
It should be noted that SBCC is a strate- SBCC is an evidence-based method that is

gic means to combine communication designed using existing data. It follows a
approaches to promote changes in knowl- systematic process, analysing the problem
edge, attitudes, practices, norms, beliefs in order to define barriers and motivators
and behaviours.390 The difference between to change. A comprehensive set of tailored
SBCC and simple awareness raising or interventions that promote the desired
Behaviour Change Communications (BCC) behaviours is developed. Interventions
is the greater emphasis on bringing about should be context specific to achieve the
social change, as opposed to focusing required impact.
primarily on the level of the individual.
A good SBCC strategy guides the design of interventions, establishes intended audiences, sets
behavioural communication objectives and determines consistent messages, materials and
activities across channels.391
Rather than having different tools and images in the same geographical areas, it is more
effective for messaging on child labour to be similar and thus recognisable to the target
audience. Messaging on the linkages between child labour and environmental sustainability,
including deforestation, can be integrated into the materials. Naturally, messaging can be
adapted to specific localities but overall consistency is necessary to ensure that the messaging
is reinforced. This is where effective coordination and collaboration are critical to success.
Encouraging community participation, peer awareness raising and the formation of support
groups in schools further help to anchor long-term change. Examples of effective good
practices392 methods may include certificates and prizes for communities that meet child
389 E.g. as noted among others in the evaluation of an ICI project in Zegers, M. (2019), Eliminating Child Labor in Cocoa
Growing Communities (ECLIC), Washington, D.C.: IMPAQ International, LLC.
390 Health Communication Collaborative (2016), SBCC for Emergency Preparedness Implementation Kit, Baltimore: Johns
Hopkins University
391 Ibid.
392 Based on one of the author’s past experience of various good practices observed and evaluated in health and
nutrition-oriented projects such as in Madagascar and in child labour in Kenya.
174
labour reduction and environmental sustainability targets.393 They may also include community
card games, such as collecting and sharing cards with messages.
Furthermore, good practice analysis indicates that the implementation of Supporting Children’s
Rights through Education, the Arts and the Media (SCREAM) modules with community members
can be very effective.394 SCREAM is participatory and fits well within an SBCC approach. The
methodology includes a special module specifically on child labour in agriculture.395
Basing communications in positive traditions, such as mutual support and focusing on the
importance of the child using storytelling, proverbs and other means can also be used more
frequently to increase focus on social and individual behaviour change. In Côte d’Ivoire and
Ghana past experience has indicated that involving traditional authorities, especially if they
make local by-laws, is useful because of the respect shown for traditional authorities and their
decisions396. In Ghana, various development agencies are, for example, working with female
traditional leaders referred to as “Queen Mothers.” Queen Mothers are part of the culture of the
Akan people who live in some of the cocoa regions.397 They are the embodiment of motherhood,
so taking care of the well-being of children, especially girls, is a priority. The role of Queen
Mothers in decision making on social issues and poverty is already well anchored in society.
Some of the SBCC methods can also be used to explain and promote the use of RBM techniques.
Given the challenges surrounding the employment of older children it is also necessary to
develop and implement SBCC regarding the importance of youth employment in decent work
in agriculture and related areas. Recipients of these communications include local government
stakeholders, local leaders and educators, as well as young people themselves. Young people
need to be encouraged to participate in, and learn about agriculture, and they need to be
anchored in accessible quality agricultural education. Awareness raising in communities,
including through peer education, about the benefits and usefulness of agricultural work in
non-hazardous settings and decent work overall would be beneficial. Activities may include
meetings, and collecting and sharing the success stories of young people involved in agriculture
and ancillary activities. Examples of young people using digital technologies in agriculture and
ancillary activities could help raise the interest of their peers.
393 Some of the text in this and the following paragraphs is based on recommendations of one of the authors of the
current report in an evaluation report of a project on child labour in cocoa production in Côte d’Ivoire.
394 E.g. ILO SCREAM and others. Footnote: ILO (2019) SCREAM: Supporting Children’s Rights through Education, the Arts
and the Media. Available at https://www.ilo.org/ipec/Campaignandadvocacy/Scream/lang--en/index.htm . Also available
in French.
395 ILO (2016), SCREAM: Module spécial sur le travail des enfants dans l’agriculture, Geneva: ILO
396 Zegers, M.; Cownie, D.; Tornyie, E. et. al. (2015), Protecting Children from Violence: A Comprehensive Evaluation of
UNICEF’s Strategies and Programme Performance, Ghana Country Case Study, New York: UNICEF Evaluation Office.
397 Mensah, C. A.; Antwi, K. A.; Dauda, S. (2014), Female Traditional Leaders (Queen Mothers) and Community Planning
and Development in Ghana, Environmental Management and Sustainable Development ISSN 2164-7682, 2014, Vol. 3,
No. 1, Accra: Macrothink Institute.
175
3.7.1. MESSAGING DEVELOPMENT: STAKEHOLDERS IN THE EU,

CÔTE D’IVOIRE AND GHANA
Stakeholders interviewed indicated that there are several issues needing attention to improve
communications to bring about change at a national and global level.
Three main areas of focus for messaging have been identified, together with one main
mechanism for use in discussions with decision makers in producer and EU countries, and with
consumers.
1. Share official information on the prevalence of child labour in cocoa producer

areas.
2. Advertise/message about the efforts that governments, industry and fair-

trade organisations are currently undertaking and plan to undertake to start
communicating the problems and causes of child labour and deforestation. The
current, negative focus on these issues is needed to stimulate change. However,
suggestions of hopelessness regarding possible progress should be countered to
avoid consumer backlash. It should be explained that boycotting cocoa products is
not the answer to these challenges, as farmers and their families will lose income
and suffer increased poverty over the immediate term. Instead, messaging should
encourage consumers to stay informed about the situation regarding the extent to
which companies are addressing the issues and inspire them to clearly voice their
opinions on these matters.
3. Explain the need to increase retail prices, at least by a little, to support special
programmes supporting development in cocoa producing areas. This may include
explaining the need to address gaps in education and other social service provision,
building of infrastructure and other local development needs. Furthermore, to increase
understanding of the need for higher prices, as some companies are already doing,
focus messaging on increasing appreciation for the complexity of chocolate making
and controlling quality in chocolate and other cocoa-based products.
It will be useful for the EU to provide support to develop mechanisms for consumers to obtain
direct and transparent information on fair products that are made respecting human rights (no
child labour no forced labour) and through sustainable means of production. This would mean
linking consumers with entities that focus on standards (Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, as well
as producer governments) and/or those that focus on incorporating block chain technologies.
At producer level this would also require ensuring that data on child labour are collected in a
transparent way down to farm level. Working with brands willing to confirm their respect of all
the requirements based on external and transparent audits of impact results on child labour
would be helpful.
176
It is also necessary to ensure that the messaging to consumers is uniform across the EU.
Currently, labelling schemes on the food market vary. Products may carry labels indicating
that they are fair trade, organic, child labour free, slave free, environmentally safe and other
labels. There is therefore a danger of confusing consumers and leaving room for fraud, thereby
eroding the labels’ overall credibility.398
Within the framework of the UN Convention of the Rights of the Child it would also be
useful to involve children and young people in the discussions. This means inviting children
and young people in the EU and in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana to contribute to the discussions
on eliminating child labour in cocoa and deforestation. This could, among other means, be
organised through the participation of children and young people in cocoa event panels. They
may further contribute through sharing videos and other forms of messaging on human rights
and environmental sustainability issues linked to cocoa via social media, radio and television.399
Existing groups within the EU, such as Erasmus Plus400, can contribute to this process.
ARS4Progress401 is an EU-supported organisation that can also provide support for identifying
local groups and mediate with coordinating groups in the EU and in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.
One platform active in Côte d’Ivoire and

Ghana is the U Report movement402. This
movement focuses on supporting positive
local change using Facebook Messenger
and WhatsApp. In Côte d’Ivoire, for instance,
UNICEF is helping the Ministry of Youth
implement its activities, one example of
which is the sharing of discussion points on
media platforms and asking young people
to share their opinions on the subjects
raised. Another media youth group in Côte Curious Minds - Radio Ghana
d’Ivoire is the Jeunes Rapporteurs.
In Ghana there is also the youth media organisation “Curious Minds”403 that operates radio
stations and social messaging. The Ghana Community Radio Network (GCRN) also shares
information from, and useful to young people.
398 Squicciarni, M.P. & Swinnen, J. (2016), The Economics of Chocolate, Oxford: Oxford University Press.
399 Note that radio and television remain important media tools in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.
400 European Commission (2020), Erasmus+ Available from https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/nodeen
401 ARS4Progress (2020), ARS4Progress About Available from http://www.arsprogress.eu/our-projects/ Accessed
07/07/2020.
402 U Report (2020), U Report (Overview) Available from https://ureport.in/ Accessed 15 08 2020.
403 Curious Minds (2020), What we do. Available from https://cmghana.org/what-we-do/ Accessed 10 10 2020.
177
In Ghana, the National Youth Advisory Board (NYAB) brings together children and young people
up to the age of 25. Plan International helps sponsor the group. The NYAB comprises of 40
representatives from 10 regional youth advisory boards drawn from local junior and senior
child rights clubs. The NYAB provided inputs to the Ghana Child and Family Welfare Policy
and the “Girls Making Media” initiative. It has also provided input into a global evaluation of
violence against children.404 At the time, one representative of the NYAB summarised their
overall role as: “We need to be the voice for the children”.
Other youth groups in both countries that could be involved are the scouting groups and
various faith-based youth groups.
3.8. Proposed key areas of change

Most stakeholders interviewed stated that better joint and harmonised collective action plans
are needed. Interviewees strongly stressed that the preparation of action plans requires the
full participation of all key stakeholders; these are the governments of Côte d’Ivoire and
Ghana, the EU and its member states, private sector actors along the cocoa value chain and
other non-state key stakeholders. Consequently, this study does not aim to be prescriptive.
The evidence and analysis in the report provides suggestions for further dialogue to develop
actions plans among key stakeholders.
Final action plans should include agreements to be implemented under a legally binding
framework. They should incorporate result-based management (RBM) mechanisms that
include intensive monitoring and auditing of the targets identified.
Some main areas of attention for implementation are discussed in the current section. A
proposed detailed road map (see Annex 1) provides additional suggestions for areas of focus
and priorities for short-, medium- and long-term planning. The road map also identifies the
main stakeholders for each proposed component.
Governments of Cocoa Producer Countries
It should be noted that the key actors for the elimination of child labour and deforestation
remain the governments and peoples of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Their views on their own roles
and responsibilities and those of other actors should have full consideration. The governments
404 Zegers, M.; Cownie, D.; Tornyie, E. et. al. (2015), Protecting Children from Violence: A Comprehensive Evaluation of
UNICEF’s Strategies and Programme Performance, Ghana Country Case Study, New York: UNICEF Evaluation Office.
178
of these two countries have the ultimate responsibility for the well-being of the children and
adults who are working in the cocoa value chain.
Cocoa Private Sector
Small, medium and large cocoa private sector enterprises need to work together to achieve
the elimination of child labour and deforestation. Actions to address these challenges should
not be limited to large companies – they must include small and medium enterprises. Many of
the smaller and medium enterprises, and some larger ones, are currently not engaged in due
diligence.
The private sector should prioritise scaling up current and planned initiatives. These include
the CLMRS and the subjects identified in the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) Children First in
Cocoa frameworks, as well as the CLEF, ELAN, school nutrition, birth registration, and education
including TVEST. The private sector should also continue the development and scaling up of
the PPP in Côte d’Ivoire and support the full development of the PPP in Ghana.
During the initial stage (1-2 years), companies will be required to develop their systems to
accommodate the voluntary and mandatory due diligence agreements. Small and medium
enterprises (SME) active in the value chain should be formally required to adhere to mandatory
due diligence. This would include national and international SMEs and extend to large
companies not currently engaged in due diligence in their cocoa value chains.
The most crucial actions will have to be addressed and integrated during the initial period,
with special attention being paid to capacity strengthening, poverty reduction, production
modernisation, birth registration, and improving access to education and other social services.
School feeding should be an integral part of these actions.
Fair trade organisations, advocacy networks, standard setting organisations and

implementing agencies all have key roles to play in ensuring proper implementation of due
diligence. This is especially relevant down at farm level, so that child labour is not hidden but
objectively identified, audited and addressed.
International organisations will fulfil their mandates to support the governments of Côte
d’Ivoire and Ghana in executing policies and strategies that eliminate child labour and
encourage sustainable cocoa production.
179
3.8.1. EUROPEAN UNION SUPPORT
As cocoa exports from the two major producing countries of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana represent
70% of all cocoa entering the EU, the EC is in a good position to help tackle child labour and
deforestation. This includes developing sustainable social and environmentally responsible
solutions with the two governments, EU institutions, EU Member States, multinational chocolate
manufacturers, private sector service providers, civil society and other key stakeholders.
The mechanisms through which the EU can collaborate and join forces with other existing
initiatives are clear. At country level, linking EU policy dialogue with the governments of Côte
d’Ivoire and Ghana to the PPP Children First in Cocoa discussions is one example.
A critical consideration in dialogue and planning is to focus on aligning corporate practices

along the cocoa value chain with national priorities. In this regard, stakeholder interviewees
consistently noted the usefulness of the EU as mediator in policy dialogue between all
partners.
In addition to EU headquarters, the country delegations and the embassies of the EU Member
States will have a substantial role to play in dialogue with two governments of the two
countries. As at international level, specialised agencies with strong experience specifically
related to child labour in cocoa, including the International Cocoa Initiative (ICI), International
Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) and the World Bank should play key roles.
For the design and implementation of actions at country level – supplementary to the
Governments of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana – ICI, the ILO, UNICEF, FAO and World Bank are again
specific entities for direct partnership with the EU. ICI as a foundation comprising the chocolate
industry, civil society, farming communities and national governments is the most directly
focused organisation on the subject matter. Together with the other key actors it can play a
role in supporting the implementation of many of the recommendations. Notably in terms of
mediating stakeholder dialogue, innovation, learning, advocacy, most of the capacity building
required, as well as the due diligence and community development aspects.
3.8.2. PROPOSED PRIORITY FUNDING AREAS EUROPEAN UNION
The EU will not be the only donor to support the proposed main areas of focus. However,
according to key stakeholders interviewed, and based on other evidence from the research
analysis, the subjects listed in table below should have priority. While the list has many
components, stakeholders who were interviewed for the study insisted that all of the issues
need to be addressed to obtain real impact. The EU may not be able to fund all of the proposed
180
components, however, partial contributions may be made to join efforts with other donor
partners. Determining the most appropriate EU funding mechanisms for each action requires
further analysis.405
1. Support at International Level

1.1. Dialogue and support for the development, coordination and implementation of the
EU Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue for Sustainable Cocoa (Cocoa Platform)
1.2. Development of mandatory and voluntary due diligence agreements, monitoring of
implementation
1.3. Communications and awareness raising with a focus on children and youth in EU
Member States with those in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.
1.4. Awareness raising and capacity strengthening of cocoa private sector actors to enable
them to fully implement mandatory and voluntary agreements.
1.5. Communications between children and youth in EU Member States with those in Côte
d’Ivoire and Ghana to address child labour and deforestation.
2. Support at National Level
2.1. Policy dialogue to design a time-bound agreement with cocoa producing countries,
including robust measures to reduce child labour by addressing the root causes and
gaps that contribute to child labour.
2.2. The development of Child Labour Elimination Plans for Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana 2021-
2026. Ensuring integration of the CLMRS and other child labour reduction mechanisms
into the national child labour system in both countries. The implementation of both
mechanisms in a coordinated framework with focus on joint efforts.
2.3. Participation and mediation in dialogue for the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP)
Children First in Cocoa framework. Better coordination and integration of government
systems with private and international donor-funded initiatives. Contribution to
identified components under the PPP, including CLEF, ELAN, birth registration, social
protection, targeted cash transfers for vulnerable families in or at risk of child labour,
following dialogue with donor stakeholders. Support for further development of the
PPP Children First in Cocoa in Ghana.
2.4. Research into mechanisms to strengthen decentralisation of government budget
support and local taxation to local level to ensure that more financing is available at
local level to address child labour, root causes and decrease associated gaps.
405 This is outside the scope of the Terms of Reference of the current research and requires EU specialists on the most
current available funding mechanisms.
181
2.5. Adaptation of due diligence systems to the national situation in Côte d’Ivoire and
Ghana.
2.6. Strengthening data systems, management and use of data on child labour and
sustainable cocoa production, including support for the development of effective
feedback loops of high-quality data and improved monitoring, evaluation, reporting,
and accountability including of the Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana governments.
2.7. Intellectual exchanges between the EU, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana research institutions.
Research may address child labour, poverty, including agricultural development, and
digital technology tools that can be used at decentralised level.
2.8. Regional cooperation with Mali and Burkina Faso on human trafficking of children for
labour.
2.9. Development Impact Bonds (DIB) and Sustainable Impact Bonds (SIB) initiatives
being explored in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. These bonds are results-based contracts,
in which private investors provide pre-financing for social programmes and public
sector agencies pay back investors their principal plus a return if, and only if, these
programmes succeed in delivering social outcomes.406
2.10. Coordination/integration of actions and services of non-state actors with cocoa
producer government systems (collaboration on prevention/remediation, transfer of
data, coordination among them and with public systems and services).
3. Support at Decentralised Level - District/Sous-Préfecture Authorities
3.1. Development of planning and implementation of child labour and sustainable cocoa
production through landscape integrated area-based approaches (multi-stakeholder
platforms), including a focus on improving coordination and integration of child
protection and social protection government programmes with those of non-state
actors (industry financed, other donors, NGOs.) through EU Budget support with SMART
indicators.
3.2. Capacity strengthening of members of the multi-stakeholder platform following a
training needs gap analysis. Capacity strengthening of government social workers,
labour inspectors, police/justice officials, border officials, agricultural extension workers
for service delivery on child labour elimination and deforestation.
3.3. Strengthening and scaling up farmer-based organisations (including cooperatives).
3.4. Birth registration plan development, implementation and monitoring.
3.5. Strengthening data systems and use of data on child labour and sustainable cocoa
production.
406 Center for Global Development (2020), Investing in Social Outcomes: Development Impact Bonds, Available from
https://www.cgdev.org/page/investing-social-outcomes-development-impact-bonds-0 Website consulted 01 06 2020.
182
4. Support for Community-Based Actions

4.1. Scaling up CLMRS and similar child labour reduction methods, including trafficked
children/forced labour.
4.2. Poverty reduction: support for income-generating activities/diversification, application
of the living income differential, village savings and loan schemes, farmer training.
Special focus on developing TVEST and employment options for decent work for
children 15-18 years old and youth from cocoa households, including in agriculture
and ancillary activities.
4.3. Quality education, including secondary and technical, vocational, and skills training for
non-hazardous work.
4.4. School feeding.
4.5. Local infrastructure, especially in education, in accordance with community needs,
with specific focus on at-risk child labour and deforestation areas.
4.6. Coordination/integration of practical actions and services of non-state actors with
cocoa producer government systems (collaboration on prevention/remediation,
transfer of data).
3.8.3. EU ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES ON SUPPORTING DUE DILIGENCE
The EU’s role and responsibilities in supporting due diligence includes:
1. Reviews of company due diligence, traceability methods, reporting on interventions and

integration into government systems.
2. Development of legal penalties for non-compliance to help ensure that genuine
impact is achieved in reducing child labour and deforestation. The implementation of
agreements on penalties for companies, governments and other stakeholders should be
applied in time-limited stages.
3. Definitions of standards that will be accepted as evidence of compliance should be
defined and agreed. Standards should be accompanied with clear practical descriptions
that detail how decisions are made regarding whether a standard is being fully applied.
3.8.4. KEY IMPLEMENTATION PARTNERS
The key entities to be included in dialogue with the EU and other stakeholders are summarised
here. The list is not exhaustive. Key stakeholders may decide to include other stakeholders
through dialogue. A detailed full mapping resource that lists additional relevant stakeholders
is available on request.
183
Côte d’Ivoire
Comité National de Surveillance des Actions de Lutte contre la traite, l’exploitation et le
travail des enfants (CNS), Système d’Observation et de Suivi du Travail des Enfants en
Côte d’Ivoire (SOSTECI)
Confédération Générale des Entreprises de Côte d’Ivoire - Patronat ivoirien (CGECI)
Groupement des Exportateurs (GEPEX)
Groupement des Négociants Internationaux/ Association des Exportateurs Ivoiriens de
Cacao (GNI)
Ministère De L’agriculture et du Développement Rural
Ministère de l’Emploi et de la Protection Sociale (MEPS)
Ministère de la Famille, Cellule de Lutte contre la Traite, l’Exploitation et Travail des Enfant
(CLTETE)
Ministère de la Santé
Ministère du Plan et du Développement
Other functional ministries including decentralised offices
Union Générale des Travailleurs de Côte d’Ivoire (UGTCI).
Ghana
COCOBOD
EcoCare
Ghana Employers’ Association
General Agricultural Workers’ Union of Ghana (GAWU)
Human Trafficking Management Board (HTMB)
Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations (MELR), Child Labour Unit
Ministry of Food and Agriculture
Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection
National Steering Committee on Child Labour (NSCCL)
Other functional ministries including decentralised offices, national NGOs
International and biateral organisations
Beyond Chocolate (Belgium)
Caobisco
European Cocoa Association (ECA)
European Commission
European Federation of Trade Unions in the Food, Agriculture and Tourism (EFFAT)
Fair Food
184
Fair Labor Association (FLA)

Fair Trade Advocacy Office
Fairtrade International
Federation of Cocoa Commerce (FCC)
FERN
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
German development cooperation organisation (GiZ) German Initiative on Sustainable
Cocoa (GISCO)
Global March Against Child Labour (Global March)
HIVOS/Stop Child Labour
IDH - The Sustainable Trade Initiative
International Cocoa Initiative (ICI)
International Cocoa Organization (ICCO)
International Labour Organization (ILO), ILO IPEC + Global Flagship Programme
International NGOs including: CARE, International Rescue Committee (IRC), the FarmStrong
Foundation, Save the Children, Solidaridad, Winrock International, World Vision
International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied
Workers’ Associations (IUF)
Mighty Earth
Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), Fund against Child Labour (FBK), Sustainable Cocoa
(DISCO)
Rainforest Alliance
Soldaridad
Swiss Platform for Sustainable Cocoa (SWISSCO)
Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)
Tropenbos
UNICEF
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
United States Bureau of International Labor Affairs (USDOL ILAB)
Voice Network
World Bank
World Cocoa Foundation
World Food Programme
185
3.8.5. FUNDING: COORDINATED EU, BILATERAL, PRODUCER GOVERNMENT

AND INDUSTRY STREAMS
The lack of available funding at local government level to provide sufficient educational
and other social services has been found to obstruct the reduction of child labour in cocoa
producing areas. Local needs to address child labour root causes and gaps can only be
sustainably addressed with greater decentralised budget allocations. An in-depth analysis of
the taxation and fiscal distribution system in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana is beyond the scope of
the current research. It is evident, however, that decentralised taxation and federal budget
allocations need reviewing.
The implementation of innovative mechanisms to fund local government initiatives should

also be reviewed. These may include Development Impact Bonds (DIB) and Sustainable
Impact Bonds (SIB), as are already being explored in Côte d’Ivoire with the support of the
World Bank and the iGravity organisation.407 These bonds are results-based contracts in which
private investors provide pre-financing for social programmes and public sector agencies
pay back investors their principal plus a return if, and only if, these programmes succeed
in delivering social outcomes.408 EU support for these mechanisms through the existing
investment guarantee tools that target child labour and sustainability could be useful and are
recommended.
3.9. CONCLUDING REMARKS

The cocoa value chain is very large. It begins in humble farms in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana,
where cacao is grown, and it ends (by way of example) on a supermarket shelf in the EU as a
chocolate bar. The problem that cocoa is produced using child labour and that it contributes to
deforestation and other forms of environmental damage can no longer be ignored.
A holistic and comprehensive approach is required if meaningful help is to be given cocoa

communities in eliminating of child labour and deforestation. The complexity and interplay of
the socio-cultural, economic, institutional and physical environment necessitate this.
407 See https://www.igravity.net/

408 Center for Global Development (2020), Investing in Social Outcomes: Development Impact Bonds, Available from
https://www.cgdev.org/page/investing-social-outcomes-development-impact-bonds-0 Website consulted 01/06/2020.
186
Ending child labour and establishing sustainable cocoa production are of great symbolic
importance, as they seem to represent absolute values. They are ends in themselves and the
reason for the commissioning of this report.
What makes the cocoa value chain extraordinary, and the possibility of successful outcomes
for quality initiatives better than average, is that it is still concentrated in two countries and
one political entity, the EU. If a strong will can be translated into real joint actions, change is
possible and will reduce child labour and deforestation.
The causes of child labour are clear though strongly intertwined. There is no one main reason
for child labour and deforestation. A simple list of causes, ranging from the most to the least
important causes of child labour would be impossible to make, and would serve no purpose.
While the interplay of causal factors is impossible to disentangle, some root causes are clear.
The economic choices taken by the farmers in the first stage of the value chain are forced
upon them. Engaging children in work on the cocoa farms and encroaching into forested areas
are, in fact, not free choices, but the result of the situations in which farmers find themselves.
Poverty has made farmers vulnerable to health shocks, environmental disasters and
deteriorating farming conditions. Consequently, especially where initiatives to reduce child
labour have not been implemented, child labour persists. An inability, especially at decentralised
level, to provide adequate access to quality education and other social services contributes
to persistent poverty. The still limited coverage of child labour and deforestation reduction
efforts add to the continuing problems.
The lack of coordinated efforts to engage in sufficient joint and effectively harmonised actions
are key impediments towards achieving real change. Due diligence and traceability are being
only partially implemented. Approximately half of all cocoa industry actors, particularly small
and medium sized businesses, but also some larger enterprises are not engaged in the due
diligence needed to ensure that there is no exploitation of child or forced labour or of the
environment. Actual traceability efforts directly audited at farm level are rare and challenging.
The limited social inclusion of especially vulnerable persons in both initiatives and in managing
efforts to address child labour and deforestation is impeding the achievement of results. This
includes insufficient attention to gender issues, households affected by disabilities and/or HIV,
elderly farmers, and migrant and trafficked workers, including children.
In conclusion, only a comprehensive, well-coordinated effort at all levels will achieve the goal
of eliminating child labour in the cocoa value chain. Key solutions cannot be selected in a
partial manner. The key stakeholders include the governments of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana,
the cocoa industry, international development partners, and international and national civil
society. All these stakeholders need to come together and work together, with each taking on
specific roles and responsibilities for the elimination of child labour and the establishment of
187
THE INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS PROPOSED ARE:
OVERARCHING
1. Multi-stakeholder process platforms established and functioning at all levels to

eliminate child labour and ensure that cocoa is produced sustainably.
• Develop a multi-stakeholder process through a transformative agenda at international
(such as, the EU Sustainable Cocoa Initiative), national (participation and mediation in
Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) Children First in Cocoa Framework) and local (decen-
tralised level with focus on leadership, coordination and accountability).
• Implement at each level, from national to local, mechanisms for vertical and horizontal
communications, joint planning and coordinated implementation of synergistic
actions.
• Develop plans to address all of the root causes and gaps to eliminate child labour.
• Develop landscape integrated area-based approaches at decentralised level.
2. Systems approach adopted with continual improvement of initiatives based on

consistent feedback from quantitative and qualitative data collected on child labour
elimination initiatives and child labour prevalence.
• Develop a systems approach guide detailing methods to enable collective stakeholder
learning and regular review of potential actions for change.
• Implement methods for vertical and horizontal quantitative and qualitative data
collection. Integrate collected feedback into planning channels from international and
national to community level, the reverse and horizontally at each level.
3. Operationalised result-based management system (RBMS) developed and implemented,

building on and expanding due diligence accountability systems of all stakeholders
• Develop a methodology guide for RBMS to be used to measure contributions to tracking
of progress on objectives, reviews company due diligence, traceability methods and
regularly reports on interventions and integrates into government systems
• Develop clear targets for implementation phases as progress is made and implement
the RBMS system to assure accountability.
• Develop legal penalties for non-compliance to ensure genuine impact and define
standards accepted as evidence of compliance.
188
SPECIFIC
4. Partnerships and initiatives of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana Governments and corporate
actors aligned with international conventions, standards, guidelines, national policies
and plans
• Improve and/or strengthen existing partnerships and cross-border agreements among
the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) - Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Burkina
Faso, and Mali.
• Scale up agreements and implementation of initiatives for the identification, return and
reintegration of trafficked children to return home to Burkina Faso and Mali.
• Align corporate practices, trade and implementation of initiatives with national priorities
and overarching labour conventions, and with international business and human rights
guidance documents.
• Ensure that child labour elimination is directly cited and fully integrated into all
economic development policies and plans, especially in agriculture-related economic
activities or investments. Including in the design and monitoring of the plans.
5. Strengthened enabling environment for reduced child labour and deforestation with
particular attention to local development planning and implementation, and localities
at high-risk.
• Strengthen the legal, regulatory frameworks and institutions, and ensure improved
enforcement to eliminate child labour.
• Develop the expansion of well targeted social protection mechanisms to help protect
from environmental, health, social and other shocks (which lead to higher dependence
on child labour).
• Develop (new) or adapt existing local development plans to be more comprehensive,
integrated, strengthened and synergistic with regard to child labour in child protection
systems.
• Integrate and maintain, over the short, medium, and long term, Child Labour Monitoring
and Remediation System (CLMRS) and other child labour initiative approaches into
Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana Government child protection mechanisms, while at the same
time expanding coverage of such initiatives and child protection overall.
• Conduct capacity analysis to identify the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities of
each actor regarding local development planning and implementation for eliminating
child labour. Include focus on social workers, labour inspectors/officers, agricultural
extension officers, school inspectors, health workers, teachers, police/gendarmerie,
community field workers, etc. Conduct capacity analysis to identify the strengths,
weaknesses and opportunities of each stakeholder.
• Develop and/or strengthen service delivery capacities of key institutions for local
development planning, implementation and enforcement of legal frameworks (districts,
prefecture/sous prefectures, communities) with particular attention paid to social
inclusion of especially vulnerable groups and high-risk areas. There should be a strong
189
focus on joint actions between industry and donor-supported programmes with local
government staff for on-the-job learning and implementation of actions on child labour
and deforestation. This includes identification and remediation of child labourers or
potential child labourers.
• Increase construction of physical infrastructure with an emphasis on roads, accessible
schools, health, child protection infrastructure and/or one-stop referral locations for
children in, or at risk of child labour and/or other exploitation, abuse and neglect.
• Improve quality and access to general education, including well-planned school
feeding programmes and education on children’s rights and decent work in agriculture.
• Strengthen the provision of child protection services, including access to birth
registration, and the provision of support to children suffering from abuse, neglect and
other forms of exploitation.
6. Poverty of cocoa producers and ancillary activity workers reduced in a context of

improved decent work conditions within an environmentally sustainable environment
• Continue and scale up efforts to ensure that price and income from cocoa at the farm
gate continues to increase.
• Develop and implement modern, non-hazardous production using sustainable
intensification of cocoa production methods to increase agricultural yields per hectare
without adverse environmental impact and without the need to convert additional, non-
agricultural land.
• Train farmer household children (in line with their interests) and adults from the age of
15 on modern cocoa production, including a focus on occupational safety and health
(OSH) methods in agriculture.
• Further develop Global Positioning System (GPS) and other forms of farm monitoring
tools to identify and follow up transgression into new forest areas.
• Accompany promoting the diversification of economic activities with suitable market
assessment and training.
• Develop agroforestry as means of contributing to short-term food security needs and,
over the medium- or longer-term, as an income source in both countries.
• Provide support for expanding village savings and loan schemes (VSLS) and access to
formal financial services.
• Develop effective mechanisms to further support formalising informal cocoa activities
and informal activities promoted as part of diversification efforts.
7. Increased and strengthened farmer-based organisations and giving communities a

voice for effective functioning and contributing to reducing child labour
• Establish, where necessary, strengthen and scale up new and existing FBOs to increase
productivity and decent work for all and environmentally sustainable conditions.
• Strengthen community bodies to address child labour, integrate actions effectively into
child protection systems and ensure sustainable cocoa production.
190
8. Social behaviour change communications on child labour elimination and deforestation

strengthened and effective
• Develop and implement a good social behaviour change communications (SBCC)
strategy guide to inform the behaviour change interventions, based on existing effective
practices.
ADDITIONAL COUNTRY-SPECIFIC PROPOSALS :
9. Côte d’Ivoire
• Ensure that there are functioning mechanisms for birth registration of children of
multigenerational immigrants and children of unknown parents or others who would
otherwise be stateless are functional and that children obtain proof of birth registration.
• Strengthen the management of cooperatives to address child labour.
10. Ghana
• Identify and implement institutional reforms in the Ghana Cocoa Board, including at
CRIG for improved service delivery.
• Analyse how illegal mining is related to, and influences child labour in cocoa production;
identify solutions and implement them.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO KEY STAKEHOLDERS
1. Governments of cocoa producer countries

• The key actors for the elimination of child labour and deforestation remain the
governments and the people of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Full consideration should be
given to their views on their own roles and responsibilities and those of other actors.
The governments of these two countries carry the ultimate responsibility for the well-
being of the children and adults who are working in the cocoa value chain.
2. Cocoa private sector

• It is important for small, medium and large cocoa private sector enterprises to join
together to work towards eliminating child labour and deforestation. Actions to address
these challenges should not be limited to large companies but must include small and
medium enterprises. Many of the smaller and medium enterprises, but also some of the
larger ones, are not currently engaged in due diligence.
• The private sector should focus strongly on scaling up current and planned initiatives.
These include the CLMRS and the subjects identified in the Public-Private-Partnership
(PPP) Children First in Cocoa framework; for example, the Child Learning and Education
Facility (CLEF), Early Learning and Nutrition Facility (ELAN), school nutrition, birth
191
registration and education, including Technical and Vocational Education and Skills
Training (TVEST). In addition to continuing the development and scaling up of the PPP in
Côte d’Ivoire, the full development of the PPP should be further supported in Ghana.
• During the initial stage (1-2 years), all companies should be required to develop their
systems to accommodate voluntary and mandatory due diligence agreements and
implement such systems if they do not yet have them in place. Small and medium
enterprises (SME) active in the value chain should be formally required to adhere to
mandatory due diligence. This includes national as well as international SMEs. It also
includes large companies that do not currently carry out due diligence in their cocoa
value chains.
• During the initial period, the most crucial actions and their integration need to
be addressed. Over the short-term, special attention should be placed on capacity
strengthening, poverty reduction, production modernisation, birth registration,
improvement of access to quality education and other social services. School feeding
should be an integral component of all education actions.
3. Fair trade organisations, advocacy networks, standard setting organisations and

implementing agencies
• All have key roles to play in ensuring appropriate implementation of due diligence. This
is especially true at farm level so that child labour is not hidden but objectively identified,
audited and addressed.
4. International organisations
• Will implement their mandate to support the governments of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana
to implement policies and strategies that are relevant to child labour elimination and
192
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209
ANNEX 1 – Suggested Road Map of Proposed Solutions

Detailed solutions road map proposal based on research findings: increasing the Impact of Child Labour Initiatives through Poverty Reduction,
Strengthened Enabling Environments and Increased Organisation and Voice of Farming Stakeholders.
Indicators remain descriptive because they should be defined through multi-stakeholder participation.
OVERALL IMPACT OBJECTIVE: CHILD LABOUR REDUCED AND COCOA PRODUCED SUSTAINABLY
IN CÔTE D’IVOIRE AND GHANA OVER 5-YEAR PERIOD
Descriptive
Outcomes and Actions Remarks Priority Key Responsible Entities
Indicator(s)
CI & EU & CI IDP N & L
GH MS Actors CSO
Govt
OVERARCHING STRATEGIC OUTCOMES
1. Multi-stakeholder process 1. Using a Transformative Agenda approach focusing on Multi-stakeholder process VH ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
platforms established and three areas: leadership; coordination; and accountability platforms established
functioning at all levels to for operationalisation. and functioning as
eliminate child labour and ensure 2. Collectively design and coordinate multi-stakeholder evidenced by operational
that cocoa is produced sustainably. processes based in collective learning and action for plans and monitoring
positive change. mechanisms based on
root causes and gaps to
eliminate child labour.
ACTIONS:
1.1. Develop a multi-stakeholder Process design to focus on strengthening leadership, Multi-stakeholder VH ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
process through a transformative coordination, and accountability mechanisms at all levels process through the
agenda at international, national and for all initiatives and value chain steps. Transformative Agenda
and decentralised level with focus at international, national,
on leadership, coordination and and decentralised level
accountability. developed.
210
1.2. Implement at each level, from 3. Expand national level consultations to include more Mechanisms established VH ++ + + + +
national to local, mechanisms key stakeholders, including the EU and other major actors. at national and local level
for vertical and horizontal 4. Inclusion of the voice of all key local stakeholders at (district/sous-préfecture)
communications, joint planning decentralised level. where joint planning,
and coordinated implementation of 5. Improve coordination among all the implementers in communications
synergistic actions. both countries. and coordinated
6. Ensure that initiatives to eliminate child labour in implementation of
specific communities are complimentary and do not synergistic actions is
overlap with the same households. based.
7. Ensure that coordination does not only consist of
information sharing between implementers but includes
the development of joint actions to create synergies.
1.3. Develop plans to address all 8. Through dialogue and consensus building of EU/EU Detailed operational VH ++ ++ + + +
of the root causes and gaps to member states with producer Governments. plans based on the
eliminate child labour. 9. Social dialogue producer governments, workers’ & identified root causes and
employers’ organisations, cocoa industry representatives, gaps available.
other stakeholders.
2. Systems approach adopted 10. Ensure information/data feedback loop from Systems approach VH ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
with continual improvement of experience in applying development methods to learn developed and evidence
initiatives based on consistent from and improve the existing system. of using feedback from
feedback from quantitative and 11. Improvements of impact will increase exponentially implementation of
qualitative data collected on child if feedback from data generated is consistently applied actions/initiatives and
labour elimination initiatives and using systems approach. This approach continuously child labour prevalence
child labour prevalence. informs institutional reforms, tailored policy formulation, to inform and improve
and coordinated actions. approaches and
12. Interactive learning for change approach is consistent initiatives
with the on-going PPP Children First in Cocoa initiative
initiated in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana
ACTIONS:
2.1. Develop a systems approach 13. Vertical and horizontal application of mechanisms at Systems approach guide VH ++ ++ ++ + +
guide detailing method to enable different levels included in guide. developed.
collective stakeholder learning and
regular review of potential actions
for change.
211
2.2. Implement methods for vertical 14. Ensure that feedback verification is carried out Methods for quantitative VH ++ + + + +
and horizontal quantitative and on a continuous basis with adaptation to ensure and qualitative data
qualitative data collection and appropriateness of actions as required. Vertical between collection and sharing
integrate feedback into channels levels from international to community level. Horizontal of information from
from international and national to exchanges between stakeholders at each level should be international to national
community level, the reverse and assured. Special attention to district level use of data at to local and the reverse
horizontally at each level. horizontal level. being implemented.
3. Operationalised result-based 15. Ensure more comprehensive and specific measures Established and H ++ + ++ + +
management system (RBMS) than relying on the usual development indicators at each Functioning Result-Based
developed and implemented, level. Management System
building on and expanding due 16. Include tools and actions for monitoring and tracking
diligence accountability systems of within RBM system.
all stakeholders 17. Companies due diligence:
• Provide commitments to implement ILO core conventions,
and other ILO and human rights conventions that Côte
d’Ivoire and/or Ghana have ratified.
• Detail how they will support and adhere to the
sustainability standards, laws, regulations, agreements,
policies, development planning and implementation of
the producer countries.
• Provide support for the development of national
traceability and mitigation systems that extend beyond
the existing industry managed systems. Traceability
systems should be clear and streamlined to enable the
application of practical and efficient methods.
• Embed the mechanisms and commitments in company
strategies, policies, plans and management systems.
• Provide regular reporting on how and where companies
select localities for cocoa sourcing, interventions
to address child labour, deforestation and other
development initiatives audited by third-party specialists.
18. EU should review cocoa industry due diligence using
operationalised measures and develop legal penalties for
lack of compliance. Standards need to be well-defined
operationally.
19. Producer countries should contribute to development
and implementation of due diligence systems including
through participation in RBM systems.
212
ACTIONS:
3.1. Develop a methodology guide 20. Ensure that the RBMS is applicable in all facets of Detailed operationalised VH ++ ++ ++ + ++
for RBMS to be used to measure plans and programmes down to community level and RBMS guide to track
contributions to tracking of is applicable to individuals involved in implementing all accountability within
progress on objectives. actions. agreed to due diligence
actions (mandatory
and non-mandatory
agreements and
traceability systems and
tools developed)
3.2. Develop clear targets for 21. Establish clear and feasible policies procedure Targets for H ++ + ++ + +
implementation phases as progress manuals to govern RBMS including on penalties for implementation phases
is made and implement the RBMS interference from others and non-compliance. identified and adopted.
system to assure accountability. 22. Clearly state targets for the actors in RBMS Number of new policies,
implementation documents. guidelines and
23. Track accountability of individuals at each level regulations developed
among producer government and non-Government staff, Accountability of
Private Sector, International Organizations and other individuals being tracked
actors involved in planning and implementation through and monitored. Clear
development coordination and monitoring mainly through and feasible regulations
producer country governments as part of the overall established and
system. implemented to govern
RBM including penalties
SPECIFIC OUTCOMES
4. Partnerships and initiatives 24. Corporate actors ensure that their policies take Written evidence of H ++ ++ + ++ +
of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana into account SDGs, ECOWAS protocols and Conventions alignment of initiatives
Governments and corporate including African Agenda 2030, Government policies and with Government and
actors aligned with international other relevant guiding documents. International Plans,
conventions, standards, guidelines, Conventions, and
national policies and plans Guidelines
213
ACTIONS:
4.1. Improve and/or strengthen 25. Using the incoming and existing national, Partnerships and cross H ++ + + + +
existing partnerships and cross- International and ECOWAS Multi-stakeholder networks border agreements
border agreements among the and platforms to coordinate and share intelligence between Côte d’Ivoire,
ECOWAS countries – Côte d’Ivoire, on migration and human trafficking and improve law Ghana, Burkina Faso, and
Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Mali. enforcement within the ECOWAS Sub-region. Mali strengthened
4.2. Scale up agreements and 26. Collaborate directly with the Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana Scaled up agreements H ++ + + + +
implementation of initiatives government and border officials and communities in the and initiatives for the
for the identification, return and countries of origin. return and reintegration
reintegration of trafficked children 27. Also ensure return and integration internally for of trafficked children to
to return home to Burkina Faso and children trafficked from within Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana to return home.
Mali. cocoa producing areas.
4.3. Align corporate practices, trade 28. International and national companies in the Evidence of alignment H ++ ++ + ++ +
and implementation of initiatives cocoa value chain and child labour related initiatives of corporate practices,
with national priorities and contextualize, harmonize with national priorities, and trade and initiatives
overarching labour conventions, mainstream their activities including at decentralised implementation with
and with international business and level. national priorities and
human rights guidance documents. 29. Develop as part of the expected new national child overarching labour
labour plans in both countries, a detailed intervention conventions and
matrix of country priorities that defines the terms of international business
reference for all actors involved in Child labour and/or and human rights
sustainable cocoa production. guidance documents
30. All donor funded projects assessed by Côte
d’Ivoire and Ghana government’s policy planning and
coordination authority (i.e., National Development
Commission of Ghana) and be aligned with existing
National Action Plans and Policies on child labour before
implementation to address gaps, avoid duplications and
enhance complementarities for maximum impacts.
214
4.4. Ensure that child labour 31. Integrate references in child labour plans to other Child labour elimination H ++ + + + +
elimination is directly cited and relevant areas such as to the National Youth Policy, is cited in development
fully integrated into all economic National Nutrition and Agricultural investment policies. policies and plans
development policies and plans,
especially in agriculture-related
economic activities or investments.
Including in the design and
monitoring of the plans.
5. Strengthened enabling 32. Use participatory and multi-stakeholder Functioning education VH ++ ++ + ++ ++
environment for reduced child process approaches for planning, coordination and and other social services
labour and deforestation with implementation including connecting key in cocoa producing
particular attention to local 33. Prioritise initiatives in high-risk areas where existing communities
development planning and and vulnerability to child labour are prevalent and capacity to
implementation, and localities at available education and other social services are weak. comprehensively deliver
high-risk. 34. Identify isolated localities with least access to essential services to
education and other social services and highest potential reduce child labour
risk of child labour including trafficking.
ACTIONS:
5.1. Strengthen the legal, 35. Conduct a gap analysis to verify and ensure Legal and Regulatory H ++ + + + +
regulatory frameworks and consistency, coherence and complementarity of laws, Frameworks and
institutions, and ensure improved regulations, policies at all levels. their implementation
enforcement to eliminate child 36. Include assessment of enforcement challenges and strengthened
labour. implement solutions to strengthen enforcement.
37. Increasing focus on local judicial systems
development to pay more attention to child labour cases
and for local inspection systems to broaden and involve
more actors.
5.2. Develop the expansion of 38. Include analysis of the relationship between child Social protection H ++ + + + +
well targeted social protection labour and wider Social Protection subject coverage. coverage expanded and
mechanisms to help protect from That is, with regard to health care insurance/assistance, implemented in cocoa
environmental, health, social and agriculture insurance, disability insurance for more producing areas.
other shocks (which lead to higher effective impact on eliminating child labour and other
dependence on child labour). social protection mechanisms. Support the further
development of social protection mechanisms
215
5.3. Develop (new) or adapt 39. Pay special attention in District level plans on the More comprehensive, H ++ + + + +
existing local development plans to enforcement of laws on child labour and child trafficking. integrated, strengthened
be more comprehensive, integrated, Ensure local level dialogue with representatives of and synergistic district
strengthened and synergistic with concerned stakeholders to develop the inputs. plans and direct
regard to child labour in child 40. Integrate in the short and mid-term, CLMRS and actions on child labour
protection systems. other community-based approaches—including fair trade elimination at community
certifications systems—into the child protection system. level developed and
41. Place special focus on the planning and being implemented with
implementation for expanding initiatives such as the evidence of reduced child
Integrated Area-Based Approach (IABA) to achieve Child labour.
Labour Free Zones (CLFZ), CLMRS and other child labour
reduction approaches.
42. Create a one-stop support/referral offices as
important component of any effort to reduce poverty and
eliminate child labour
43. Including attention to non-cocoa growing areas
where other forms of child labour exist such as mining,
other agricultural work.
44. Increase attention to the elimination of child labour
and deforestation
5.4. Integrate and maintain, over 45. Focus on the ultimate goal of ensuring a functioning CLMRS and other VH ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
the short, medium, and long term, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana government managed child child labour reduction
CLMRS and other child labour protection system including identification and remediation initiatives are scaled
initiative approaches into Côte of cases of child labour, access to justice, and follow-up up and integrated into
d’Ivoire and Ghana Government of cases. functioning a functioning
child protection mechanisms, 46. Over the short and medium term, CLMRS and other child protection system in
while at the same time expanding child labour initiatives continue until child protection is cocoa producing areas.
coverage of such initiatives and satisfactorily functioning as evidenced that child labour
child protection overall. prevalence and other abuses, exploitation and neglect are
reduced.
Ensure that identified cases of child labour consider the
complexity of the individual case including aspects such
as abuse, neglect, trafficking, a child marriage and others.
216
5.5. Conduct capacity analysis to 47. Link this to the RBMS process with clear measures Capacity analysis H + + + + +
identify the strengths, weaknesses and recognition of success. Provide governance conducted to identify the
and opportunities of each actor capacity support at local authority level to manage this strengths, weaknesses,
regarding local development identification approach for improved collaboration and and opportunities of each
planning and implementation for efficiency to achieve a well-grounded structure at local actor.
eliminating child labour. level.
48. Take decisions how best to assign tasks and
collaborate to building on the qualities of each
stakeholder.
5.6. Develop and/or strengthen 49. Through the established multi-stakeholder platforms, 52. Improved VH ++ ++ + ++ ++
service delivery capacities of key identify challenges and address them at all levels institutional capacity
institutions for local development including strengthening technical and institutional for local development
planning, implementation and capacities at the decentralised level where most child planning, implementation,
enforcement of legal frameworks labour issues occur. enforcement of legal
(districts, prefecture/sous 50. Include strengthening of practical logistics for local frameworks, and to
prefectures, communities) with authorities to provide social services at community level. comprehensively deliver
particular attention paid to social 51. Key focus needed on: essential services to
inclusion of especially vulnerable • Government staff including teachers, labour and school reduce child labour.
groups and high-risk areas. There inspectors, child protection and social and community 53. Services being
should be a strong focus on joint development staff, judiciary, police/gendarmes, delivered to households
actions between industry and agriculture extension workers. with child labour or at
donor-supported programmes with • Religious and informal traditional and other leaders, risk of child labour.
local government staff for on-the- trade unions, farmer-based organisations, and other
job learning about child labour and Civil Society Organisations (CSO), National and local
deforestation. NGOs, Foundations, fair trade certifying agencies and
any other key relevant stakeholders working in the
district (youth groups, women’s groups, people with
disabilities, HIV affected households)
5.7. Increase construction of Physical infrastructure VH ++ + + + +
physical infrastructure with an increased in line with
emphasis on roads, accessible local needs.
schools, health, child protection
infrastructure and/or one-stop
referral locations for children in, or
at risk of child labour and/or other
exploitation, abuse and neglect.
217
5.8. Improve quality and access 54. Educate children and youth against child labour, Quality education and VH ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
to general education, including child trafficking and violence against children including with school feeding
well-planned school feeding through peer education. implemented in all
programmes and education on 55. Strengthen pedagogy skills of teachers including primary schools and
children’s rights and decent work in ending corporal punishment and other violence in junior secondary schools
agriculture. schools. in cocoa producing areas.
56. Increase access to and quality of education on
agriculture including on avoidance of hazardous working
conditions. Increase especially quality programs for post-
primary children on decent work in agriculture.
57. Starting in early education and through at least
primary school, increase school feeding programs.
58. Develop rural school gardens initiatives to provide at
least part of the inputs for school feeding programs. Use
gardens to motivate and provide an early understanding
of the importance of agriculture. Motivate and train
teachers to use the school gardens for their pedagogy
in a project-oriented approach to teach mathematics,
biology, and other sciences from their practice.
59. Ensure that hazardous work in the school gardens
is avoided. School inspectors and community groups to
monitor the situation regarding possible hazardous work
in school gardens.
5.9. Increase focus on birth Complete coverage of VH ++ ++ ++ ++ +
registration, reducing child abuse birth registration.
and neglect in combination with Programs developed
child labour and other forms of and implemented on the
exploitation. interactions between
child labour and other
exploitation, abuse and
neglect with prevalence
reduced.
218
6. Poverty of cocoa producers VH ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

and ancillary activity workers
reduced in a context of improved
decent work conditions within
an environmentally sustainable
environment
ACTIONS:
6.1. Continue and scale up efforts Build on and augment farmer income based on the Prices and incomes of VH ++ ++ ++ ++ ++
to ensure that price and income Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana government and industry cocoa farmers increased.
from cocoa at the farm gate agreements on minimum price per metric tons and the
continues to increase. Living Income Differential (LID) initiatives
6.2. Develop and implement 60. Through exchange of technology, knowledge and Methods established H ++ + ++ + +
modern, non-hazardous production research programmes between producing countries and and being implemented
using sustainable intensification European member states, focus on the development of to modernise the value
of cocoa production methods improved technologies, that do not sacrifice quality but chain and proof of
to increase agricultural yields aim at increasing yields per hectare. integration of initiative to
per hectare without adverse 61. Promote collaboration between scientists and reduce poverty and child
environmental impact and without industry from the two countries and EU, considering labour.
the need to convert additional, non- farmers’ felt needs and circumstances into account for
agricultural land. better adoption rates and use (i.e., adoption of the Local
Agricultural Research Committee approach).
6.3. Train farmer household In farmer-based organisations and communities through Number of children H ++ + ++ + +
children (in line with their interests) agricultural extension and training of Government and and adults engaged
and adults from the age of 15 on private/NGO providers, peer education. I modernised cocoa
modern cocoa production, including production in decent work
a focus on occupational safety conditions
and health (OSH) methods in
agriculture.
6.4. Further develop Global Build on existing data and initiatives where Information GPS, drones, and other H ++ ++ ++ ++ +
Positioning System (GPS) and other Technology Communication or digital tools such as GPS forms of farm monitoring
forms of farm monitoring tools to technology and drones are being employed for monitoring digital tools identified and
identify and follow up transgression and tracking of deforestation and use of child labourers applied for monitoring
into new forest areas. and implementation.
219
6.5. Accompany promoting the 62. Determine the types of activities that can be suitable Market assessments and P + + + + +
diversification of economic by location. Align types of trades with appropriate skills, training on diversification
activities with suitable market entrepreneurship, and literacy training as relevant. activities completed.
assessment and training. 63. Ensure that support for diversification comes with
availability of a reliable market, access to credit and an
institutional support system.
6.6. Develop agroforestry as means Build on existing projects on agroforestry (i.e., Kuapa Agroforestry mechanisms P + + + + +
of contributing to short-term kokoo with some industry actors) implemented in cocoa
food security needs and, over the producing areas.
medium- or longer-term, as an
income source in both countries.
6.7. Provide support for expanding 64. Promote support for various types of VSLS to Expanded Village Savings P + + + + +
village savings and loan schemes address the needs of different types of groups. and Loan Schemes
(VSLS) and access to formal 65. Including women’s groups and youth groups. Ensure (VSLS) functioning in
financial services. that VSLS include vulnerable community members such cocoa growing areas and
as persons with disabilities, affected by HIV, migrants, and access to formal financial
trafficked persons services
66. Integrate VSLS further into FBOs.
6.8. Develop effective mechanisms 67. Design mechanisms for promoting membership in Formalising of informal H ++ + + ++ +
to further support formalising various formal farmer-based organisations, registering cocoa activities
informal cocoa activities and those independently as businesses, or becoming members of completed across cocoa
in diversified economic activities. other formal business associations. growing areas.
7. Increased and strengthened Farmer-based H ++ + ++ ++ ++
farmer-based organisations organisations increased
and giving communities a voice and strengthened
for effective functioning and and evidence of
contributing to reducing child implementation of
labour initiatives to reduce child
labour.
220
ACTIONS:
7.1. Establish, where necessary, 68. Ensure that FBOs can effectively serve as a frontline Strengthened and scaled H ++ + ++ ++ ++
strengthen and scale up new “response or device” against low yields per hectare, up FBOs including to avail
and existing FBOs to increase low incomes, poverty, child labour, child trafficking, of modernised agriculture
productivity in decent work for all indiscriminate deforestation, and lack of traceability services
and environmentally sustainable systems to primary sources
conditions. 69. Develop a well-strengthened apex body for the range
of FBOs. The apex body should not only to represent
farmers at the decision-making table to approve every
policy, but should be an entity that articulates farmers’
felt needs and gives them voice.
70. Strengthen Farmer-Based-Organisations to avail
of agriculture modernisation services and health
insurance schemes that could positively affect the entire
community.
7.2. Strengthen community bodies 71. Ensure social inclusion of women, youth, and other H ++ + ++ ++ ++
to address child labour, integrate vulnerable groups in decision making in community
actions effectively into child bodies.
protection systems and ensure
8. Social behaviour change Social Behaviour Change P ++ + ++ + ++
communications on child labour Communications on
elimination and deforestation child labour elimination
strengthened and effective and deforestation
strengthened and
effective.
221
ACTIONS:
8.1. Develop social behaviour 72. Include awareness raising with all stakeholders Awareness raising P ++ + ++ + ++
change communications (SBCC). vertically and horizontally along the value chain. methods are improved
Awareness raising of all stakeholders on laws, and use SBCC
regulations, and policies is important approaches.
73. Use local language and clear materials for sufficient Relevant actors at
dissemination including on national laws and regulations national, local and
74. Particular emphasis is needed to explain the community level
difference between light work for younger children, understand and apply the
regular non-hazardous work for older children and ILO convention definition
hazardous child labour. of child labour
75. Combine materials with other SBCC methods on child
labour and decent work for greater behaviour change
among all stakeholders, including community members.
8.2. Develop and implement a good 76. Clearly define the intended audiences, set behavioural SBCC strategy guide to P ++ + ++ + ++
SBCC strategy guide to inform the communication objectives, and determine consistent inform the interventions
behaviour change interventions. messages, materials, and activities across channels. available and being used.
77. Implement effective messaging on child labour using
recognisable materials to the target audience. Build
on positive traditional communications mechanisms.
Integrate messaging on the linkages between child labour
and environmental sustainability, including deforestation.
78. Encourage community participation and the
development of peer awareness raising and support
groups in schools to anchor long term change.
79. Support the implementation of the Supporting
Children’s Rights through Education, the Arts, and the Media
(SCREAM) modules with community members. Particularly
the special module specifically on child labour in agriculture.
80. Use SBCC methods to explain and promote the use of
Results-Based Management Techniques with stakeholders
who will be associated with RBM.
9. Country-specific solutions for H
key locally prevalent challenges
implemented in Côte d’Ivoire and
Ghana
222
COUNTRY SPECIFIC SOLUTIONS FOR CÔTE D’IVOIRE

ACTIONS:
9.1. Mechanisms for birth Birth registration of all P CI ++ ++ + +
registration of children of children of immigrants
multigenerational immigrants and unknown parents is
and children of unknown parents strengthened and applied.
or others who would otherwise
be stateless are functional and
children obtain proof of birth
registration functioning.
9.2. Cooperatives management in Conduct an organisational capacities assessment to Capacity gaps identified P CI ++ + + +
Côte d’Ivoire to address child labour ensure that cooperatives are capable of implementing and gaps filled as
strengthened. expected actions on child labour. Provide support to bridge evidenced in reduced
any capacity gaps identified. (Cooperatives of cocoa child labour among
producers are more widely established in Côte d’Ivoire) cooperative members.
COUNTRY SPECIFIC SOLUTIONS FOR GHANA
9.3. Institutional reforms at Ghana 81. Conduct strategic review of COCOBOD’s working Institutional reforms H GH ++
Cocoa Board promoted including at methods to better align with current global objectives at Ghana Cocoa Board
CRIG for improved service delivery such as SDGs and strengthening internal capacity for especially at CRIG
identified and implemented. sustainable cocoa production and marketing. implemented.
82. Promote application of research recommendations
to ensure farmers implement improved technological
packages.
83. CRIG to collaborate with universities that specialise in
or have specialised departments focusing on agriculture.
84. Improve partnerships of COCOBOD with farmers’
organizations, industry actors, and research firms, through
multi-stakeholder platforms at national and decentralized
levels.
9.4. Analysis of how illegal mining Include in study of illegal mining the threats that it poses Analysis conducted of how P ++ ++ ++ ++ +
is related to, and influences child to sustainable cocoa production. illegal mining is related
labour in cocoa production carried to, is influenced by, and
out, solutions identified and influences child labour in
implemented. cocoa production.
223
ANNEX 2 – Webinar Report

PRESENTATION OF THE FINDINGS
Guilt free chocolate? Ending Child Labour

in the Cocoa production
in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana
Monday 8 March 2021
15.00 - 16.30 CET
Interactive
virtual
conference
International
Partnerships
The European Commission organised a conference The EC recognised that a lot has been done, but
on 8 March 2021, where the authors of the study much more is required, and it has demonstrated
had an opportunity to present the results especially its commitment with the recent launch of the
to those who have contributed to the study. sustainable cocoa initiative and the consultation
It is critical that all actors are on board if the of the proposed EU legislation on Sustainable
recommendations put forward by the report Corporate Governance.
are to be adopted. The report calls for multi- The EC fully supports the conclusion of the study
stakeholder platforms at all levels, and in that calls for an integrated approach and national
particular at decentralised level (districts, sous- alliances that must include the governments,
préfectures) with an integrated implementation the private sector and civil society organisations
with sufficient allocation of funding to address working together in a strategic alliance, at local,
gaps comprehensively. regional and international levels.
The participants wholeheartedly supported the The elimination of child labour is a clear priority for
findings of the study and appreciated the breadth the EU, and the European Commission President,
and comprehensiveness of the report and its far Ursula von der Leyen, has called for a zero
reaching recommendations. One of the key issues tolerance of child labour in EU trade policies,
raised was how to mobilise all actors towards which is in line with the EU’s commitments to its
implementation of the findings. values.
The EC thanked the consultants for the independent The EC expressed its hope that this study can
report. The added-value comes from the integrated kick-start a renewed impetus and calls on all the
and comprehensive nature of the study. The need stakeholders at the table to come together to
for an integrated approach that tackles education, implement the findings of the study.
child protection, the reinforcement of rules, and
the other issues raised, must be the main take- •L
ink to the programme and the presentation
away and something all stakeholders must take of the event
on board, if child labour is to be effectively tackled, • Link to the recorded session
and ultimately eliminated. (password to access the video: 08032021)
224
ANNEX 3 – Mapping of Components Influencing Child Labour

International Governance Analysis
Agreements
Fair trading & related practices

International Industry
Labour Standards (ILS) Agreements National Mechanisms
Block chain
Certification/traceability
Other Agreements
Transactions
Feasibility Clarity recorded in block
chain
Decentralisation
Transparency
Type/Level
Legal Frameworks Ministerial Structure
Capacity
analysis
Policies, Strategies, Extent harmonised Child Protection /
Enforcement
Plans of Action ratifications ILS Social Work
Justice
Corporate Social Counselling
Agriculture Responsibility/Due
diligence Local Service Provision -
Management & Access Enforcement
Behaviour Change
Economic Communications
Environment
development
Reporting & Case
Health Management
Poverty Savings & credit Birth Certificates
reduction
Social Protection
Cocoa
Fair Trade Education
Health Health Formal Informal Conditional
Price Policy insurance services Cash Transfers
measures Accessibility all
education
Decent Work Formal
education Unemployment,
Agriculture/labour
Distance structure Disability, Pensions,
Labour policy Quality all education insurance
Child Labour Work-Related Injury
measures/wages, OSH Travel security
Road quality Not Conditional

School Cash Transfers
Class size
feeding
Monitoring &
Teachers' Evaluation Systems
No sexual or WASH
awareness child
emotional abuse conditions
labour
Local Level
Pedagogy National Level
No corporal Quality all service
punishment provision
Decent work
Children/Youth/Adults Identification Monitoring
Non-formal/informal Vocational Child Labour Child Labour
education Labour Inspection
Skills training
Production
Management
Financial
Literacy
Marketing
Human resources
225
Economic Context
Producer
countries
International Traders/ leverage
Intermediaries National
Economic Adding value

Cocoa Pricing growth national/local level
along value chain
Competition Sustainable
Poverty
procurement
Value chain Impact of wages
Analysis at each level economic on CL, CL on
Sustainable price Level of details wages
inequality
Negotiation
margins
Fairness farm-gate
Gender
Out of school
children
Knowledge
of child
Youth labour risks
Migrants/ Child labour

trafficked
Social
persons
inclusion Education
Attitudes
Socio-cultural Context
People with
disabilities Resilience
of farmers
People
affected by Positive
HIV
Practices
Harmful
Elderly
Consumers knowledge,
attitudes
226
Bio-diversity
Environmental Context Climate change
protection
Mitigation
Sustainable agriculture
experiences Carbon footprint of
cocoa value chain
Forest protection Energy

experiences Deforestation consumption
Pollution
Physical infrastructure
Cocoa Swollen Other elements
Water & soil
Fertilisers & Shoot Disease
pesticides Roads Schools
Health
Centres
227
ANNEX 4
Mapping of Key Child Labour reduction Mechanisms
Result: Reduced Child Labor in

Agricultural Production
General Education/
Vocational-Skills
Support Legal & Policy
uniforms, Reduce Distance
Frameworks
supplies
No hazardous
Support for or no Improve Quality
Decent work child labour
school fees
Local Governance
School/training centre infrastructure
Student teacher/trainer ratio Lesson materials

Police & Labour Community child
Inspection labour monitoring
Pedagogy Disciplinary methods
Economic Traceability &

empowerment Certification System
Formalisation:
Cooperatives, Decent Key child labour Integration in Legal &
Asscociations... wages/price for reduction Policy Frameworks
Support from
product mechanisms private sector
Implementation Linkages to Local
logistics Governance
Social protection Community-based
Livelihoods/ Advocacy
coverage monitoring
diversification Transparency
system
Ease of use Feasibility reach remote
traceability tools producer level
Available market Business & skills
training
Clarity Time needed
Business services Micro-Finance traceability Human resources
Cost
tools
Job placement /
Enterprise start-up Labour saving
devices households
Awareness
& Behaviour Change
Communications
Health/other services Safe efficient tools

including: Access water, fuel...
& equipment
General health Occupational

Safety & Health
Psycho-social services Justice services
Child protection
programming
Referral services,
Birth certificates...
228
ANNEX 5
Stakeholders’ Entities Interviewed
Note: for privacy reasons names and titles of persons interviewed are not included
Stakeholder entity, interviewee name, Date(s) Number of

date of interviews 2020 Persons
1. ARS4Progress (EU Youth Organisation) 07/08 1
2. Barry-Callebaut 27/04 2
3. Beyond Beans 18/06 2
4. Beyond Chocolate 09/07 1
5. Caobsico 30/06, 06/08 3
6. Cargill 16/06 2
7. Cocoapreneurship 21/05 1
8. CTA (Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural
06/08 1
Co-operation)
9. De Montfort University 21/04 1
10. EC, DEVCO 16/06 1
11. EC DEVCO 06/03, 07/07, 16/07 1
12. EC DEVCO 02/06 1
13. EC DEVCO 02/06 2
14. EC DEVCO 13/08 1
15. EC DEVCO 07/10 1
16. EC DG Employment 07/08 2
17. EC, DG Justice 24/07 1
18. EC DG Trade 22/07 1
19. ECA 20/05 1
20. EFFAT 31/07 1
21. Equipose 15/04 1
22. Fairchain 27/02 1
23. Fairtrade 22/05 1
24. FAO 10/06 3
229
25. Farmstrong Foundation 19/06, 22/08 1

26. FERN 30/04 1
27. FERRERO 17/07 1
28. GiZ, GISCO 04/05 1
29. Global March 13/08 1
30. HIVOS/Stop Child Labour 14/05 1
31. ICCO 28/04 1
32. ICFO 23/07 1
33. ICI 03/04, 21/05,
1
26/06, 02/07, 07/09
34. IDH 28/02 1
35. Igravity 20/07 2
36. ILO 19/08, 28/04,
2
29/06, 19/08
37. ILO IPEC 16/05 1
38. IUF 03/06 1
39. Jacobs Foundation 12/05 1
40. KIT 12/06 1
41. Mars 27/05 2
42. Mighty Earth 11/06 1
43. Mondelez 11/06 1
44. Nestlé 29/05 1
45. OHCR 04/05 1
46. OLAM 29/05 1
47. Positive Planet 09/06 1
48. Prime Social Enterprise 14/05 1
49. Rainforest Alliance 08/06 2
50. RVO 03/07 3
51. Save the Children 02/06 1
52. Social Entrepreneurship Initiative, Utrecht
05/06 1
University, The Netherlands
53. Solidaridad Headquarters 18/08 2
54. SUCDEN 22/05 1
230
55. Sustainable Foodlab, 21/07 1

56. Symrise & Shinergise Partners Ltd (written inputs)
1
22/06
57. TAS Consulting Agency 09/07 1
58. Tropenbos 29/06 1
59. UN Global Compact 05/06 2
60. USDOL ILAB/ CLCCG 15/05, 01/09
2
(Child Labor Cocoa Coordinating Group)
61. Voice Network 12/06 1
62. Winrock 03/06 1
63. World Bank 21/08 4
64. World Cocoa Foundation 15/06, 01/09 4
Total number of interviewed persons 87 persons
CÔTE D’IVOIRE STAKEHOLDERS
Agency Date(s) 2020

1. CGECI (Confédération Générale des Entreprises de Côte d’Ivoire –
26/06
Patronat ivoirien)
2. CIM (Comité interministériel de lutte contre la traite, l’exploitation
25/06
et le travail des enfants)
3. CNS (Comité National de Surveillance des actions de lutte contre la
Traite, l’Exploitation et le Travail des Enfants)
24/06
4. SOSTECI (Système d’Observation et de Suivi du Travail des Enfants
en Côte d’Ivoire)
5. CNS – SOSTECI (Système d’Observation et de Suivi du Travail des
28/06
Enfants en Côte d’Ivoire, - Mbatto
6. ENEZA 07/07
7. European Union Delegation 20/05, 22/08
28/04, 25/05,
8. ICI (International Cocoa Initiative Côte d’Ivoire)
12/06
9. ILO (BIT)– Côte d’Ivoire 10/06, 26/06,
02/09
10. Millenium Challenge Account Côte d’Ivoire (MCA-CI) – Education 27/06
Project (includes San Pedro cocoa production area)
231
11. Ministère de l’Emploi de la Protection Sociale 25/06, 19/07

12. Ministère de la Famille Cellule de Lutte contre la Traite, l’Exploitation
24/07
et Travail des Enfant (CLTETE)
13. Ministère de la Santé 23/07
14. Positive Planet, Côte d’Ivoire 09/06
15. Save The Children, Côte d’Ivoire 09/06
16. UGTCI (Union Générale des Travailleurs de Côte d’Ivoire) 29/07
17. UNICEF Côte d’Ivoire 18/06, 12/06,
17/06, 08/08,
02/09, 26/06
18. World Bank Côte d’Ivoire 21/08
GHANA STAKEHOLDERS
Agency Date(s) 2020

1. Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD) Ghana 19/05
2. National Steering Committee on Child Labour (NSCCL) 16/07
3. Cocoa Abrabopa Farmers Association (Ghana) 22/07
4. Cocoa Mmaa (Ladies) Farmers Cooperative 27/07
5. Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) of COCOBOD 11/05
6. EcoCare 05/05
7. European Union Delegation Ghana 14/05, 30/07
8. FAO Ghana 13/05
9. General Agricultural Workers’ Union of Ghana (GAWU) 27/08
10. International Cocoa Initiative (ICI) Ghana 31/07
11. Kuapa Kookoo Limited 29/07
12. Ministry of Food and Agriculture 20/08
13. Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection 07/08
14. World Cocoa Farmers’ Organization 28/07
15. National Development Planning Commission 17/07
16. Positive Planet 14/06
17. Rainforest Alliance Ghana 08/05
18. Solidaridad 28/07
19. UNICEF Ghana 30/07
232
ANNEX 6
Research Assumptions
The assumptions made for the implementation of the research activities generally remained
very relevant within the period under review. Namely the assumptions were:
• Political, economic and health stability in both countries, as a key requirement for the
achievement of the overall goal and objectives of the research
• The high-level ongoing dialogue between the two major producing countries is deepened
and sustained during the research period
• Continuous and enhanced commitment from both countries for successful implementation
of SDG 8 Target 7.409 SDG 8.7 is “Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate
forced labour, end modern slavery and human trafficking and secure the prohibition and
elimination of the worst forms of child labour, including recruitment and use of child
soldiers, and by 2025 end child labour in all its forms”. 410
• EU member states and the two West African countries continue their commitment to
SDG 8.7.
• Stakeholders at international level and in the countries of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana are
willing and able to contribute to the research.
• The number of working days allocated to the intertwined, complex, and large assignment is
sufficient to carry out the assignment.
The need for stability in the two countries regarding health was acknowledged in the first
assumption. It was not anticipated, however, that there would be such very important global
public health concerns as result of the COVID19 pandemic. Although the pandemic started
being increasingly problematic during the inception period, the scale was not yet clear. It
should be noted that fieldwork was not originally part of the assignment. The study has thus
remained desk based as planned.
409 UNSTATS SDG 8.7 (2020), available from https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/metadata/?Text=&Goal=8&Target=8.7

410 Ibid.
233
ANNEX 7
Template Interview Guidelines
Please note that the questions below were only used to serve as general guidelines for the
interviews. From question 5 onwards they are open-ended and kept as broad as possible. This
allows interviewees to bring what they view as the most salient subjects forward. Depending
on the interviewee, some specific questions relevant to their respective subject areas may also
be asked. The results of those answers will be summarised under question 10 in the form.
After collecting the information notes, the interviews were entered into the Atlasti qualitative
data analysis software and coded (assigned to) the different subject areas identified based on
the agreed Inception Report. After data entry the answers were automatically collated through
the software to summarise them by subject area. Trends and key points were then identified
for further analysis.
CONTACT
Email address *
1. Name *
2. Contact details - skype as available, mobile number/Whatsapp, physical city name of

office *
3. Agency/Office Name and main areas of work *
4. Primary Geographic Focus *

– Côte d’Ivoire
– Ghana
– Africa
– Global
– Other:
5. P
lease describe your work as related to the cocoa value chain:
As relevant to the stakeholder being interviewed, ask the following questions and any
others that may be relevant to the individual being interviewed:
6. According to you what are your organisation’s past successes with regard to addressing
issues on child labour in cocoa, if any? (or if not implementing such activities, ask what,
according to them the main successes are that they believe help reduce child labour)
234
7. According to you what are the main challenges that you faced in implementing activities
regarding child labour in cocoa? (or if not implementing such activities, ask what the main
challenges that they believe impede success in addressing child labour)
8. According to you what are the main opportunities and solutions/recommendations to

reducing child labour in the cocoa value chain?
9. Regarding deforestation and other environmental challenges in cocoa production, what

are your organisation’s past successes with regard to these issues if any? (or if not
implementing such activities, ask what, according to them the main successes are that
they believe help reduce deforestation and other environmental challenges)
10. According to you what are the main opportunities and solutions/recommendations to
address deforestation and other environmental challenges in cocoa production?
11. Any other specific comments and suggestions? (ask any other questions including on
linkages between different subjects).
12. Names and details of additional persons to contact. Reminder to ask for sharing and
documents that may be useful.
235

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ENDING CHILD LABOUR

AND PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE

International An EU funded project Project implemented by

Report prepared by: Contractor´s name and address:

We are particularly obliged to:

• The governments of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS 8

Study purpose and context 46

1.1. GLOBAL OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY 49

1.3. CONTEXT AND VALUE CHAIN OVERVIEW 54

1.4. KEY STAKEHOLDERS AND APPROACHES 63

1.5. SUMMARY COUNTRY OVERVIEW 72

Root causes of child labour and implementation gaps to be addressed 82

2.1. POVERTY AND RELATED PRODUCTION CHALLENGES 83

2.2. GOVERNANCE AND ACCESS TO DECENTRALISED SERVICE PROVISION 92

2.3. COORDINATION TO ELIMINATE CHILD LABOUR 111

2.4. INSUFFICIENT DUE DILIGENCE AND TRACEABILITY 113

2.5. SOCIAL INCLUSION CHALLENGES 116

2.6. SOCIO-CULTURAL ATTITUDES, CUSTOMS AND PRACTICES 122

Solutions for child labour systems building in a multi-stakeholder process 125

3.1. POVERTY REDUCTION 127

3.2. STRENGTHENING CAPACITIES FOR LOCAL DEVELOPMENT

3.3. COORDINATION OF INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL LEVEL SYSTEMS 153

3.4. DUE DILIGENCE: AGREEMENTS AND IMPLEMENTATION 161

3.5. SOCIAL INCLUSION 169

3.7. SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR CHANGE COMMUNICATIONS 173

3.8. PROPOSED KEY AREAS OF CHANGE 178

3.9. CONCLUDING REMARKS 186

ANNEX 1 – Suggested Road Map of Proposed Solutions 210

ANNEX 2 – Webinar Report 224

ANNEX 3 – Mapping of Components Influencing Child Labour 225

ANNEX 4 – Mapping of Key Child Labour reduction mechanisms 228

ANNEX 5 – Stakeholders’ Entities Interviewed 229

ANNEX 6 – Research Assumptions 233

ANNEX 7 – Template Interview Guidelines 234

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

AATIF Africa Agriculture and Trade Investment Fund

CLMS Child Labour Monitoring System

FCCI Fine Cacao and Chocolate Institute

IOM International Organization for Migration (OIM in French)

OSH Occupational Safety and Health

UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund

1 International Labour Office and United Nations Children’s Fund, Child

CHILD LABOR IN COCOA

Ghana’s economic growth rate was estimated at

Prevalence of main hazardous child labour OVERALL OBJECTIVES

22% • Analyse the root causes of child labour in the

Côte d’Ivoire and sustainable cocoa production in Côte d’Ivoire

Estimated Child Labour Prevalence: Cocoa Growing Areas Indicated in Brown

41.3% West Centre

Estimated Child Labour Prevalence and Cocoa Areas in Côte d’Ivoire

Map showing the six cocoa growing regions of Ghana

UPPER EAST Bolgatanga

MAIN FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

Despite much effort, ending child labour and promoting sustainable

Efforts to eliminate child labour are not sufficiently and structurally

2 A wider systems based approach is needed.

3 Poverty reduction, education, youth focus, gender and deforestation

Continuing more of the same, or even improving it somewhat, will not

1 International Labour Office and United Nations Children’s Fund, Child

22% • Analyse the root causes of child labour in the

1 Bureau international du travail et Fonds des Nations unies pour