Background

This research investigates how increased cocoa productivity affects labor dynamics, particularly child labor, in West Africa. It addresses the risks and opportunities associated with productivity gains in the cocoa sector.

Publications

Key figures

  • Country and region(s): Ghana & Côte d’Ivoire

  • Project duration: May 2014 – April 2015

  • Implementation partner: International Cocoa Initiative (ICI)

  • Further partners: IDH, International Finance Corporation, Jacobs Foundation, World Cocoa Foundation

  • Budget: CHF 61’250 (17.5% of the total project budget)

Main objectives

  • Identify agricultural projects increasing productivity and their labor implications

  • Understand supply/demand conditions for adult and child labor

  • Assess if increased income can meet labor demand

  • Recommend actions to mitigate child labor risks

Results

  • Developed a labor market risk indicator

  • Produced a final report and policy brief

  • Provided insights into how productivity improvements can be aligned with child labor mitigation strategies