How pesticides are affecting children
Halloween is a time for fun and treats, but for many children in cocoa farming communities, it’s just another day of hard work and dangerous conditions. As we indulge in our Halloween sweets, it’s important to consider the hidden dangers behind the chocolate we enjoy, particularly the rising exposure of children to harmful pesticides in cocoa farming.
This issue, often overlooked, poses serious health risks for these children, and it’s a problem that needs our attention.
The Trick of Halloween
Rising Exposure to Pesticides for Children on Cocoa Farms
Behind the fun of Halloween, there’s a hidden trick—more and more children in West Africa are being exposed to dangerous pesticides while working on cocoa farms. The statistics tell a worrying story: in 2014, 10% of child labourers in cocoa farming were exposed to harmful pesticides, but by 2019, that figure had nearly tripled to 27%. This means that over a quarter of the 1.5 million children who work on these farms are coming into contact with dangerous chemicals every day.
Why is this happening? Poverty and a lack of resources are at the heart of the issue. Cocoa farmers often earn far below a living income, forcing their children to work alongside them just to keep the family afloat. Living Income is the net annual income required for a household in a particular place to afford a decent standard of living for all members of that household (Living Income Community of Practice 2020). These children are tasked with spraying pesticides, handling chemicals, and working in fields without proper protective equipment. Many do not understand the dangers of these chemicals and are at constant risk of inhaling toxins, absorbing them through their skin, or even accidentally ingesting them.
The health impacts are severe. Pesticides can cause respiratory issues, skin problems, and long-term developmental issues in children. These young workers face injuries and illnesses that could have lifelong consequences, all while missing out on their education. This is the hidden trick behind much of the chocolate we enjoy during Halloween—a trick that is costing children their health, their education, and their future.
The Treat of Halloween
A Future Without Pesticide Exposure
It doesn’t have to be this way. We believe in a future where children are no longer exposed to harmful pesticides while working on cocoa farms. By improving farming practices and moving towards safer, more sustainable methods, we can protect not only the children but also the adult workers and the environment as a whole.
There are better ways to manage cocoa farming that don’t rely on dangerous pesticides. Sustainable farming practices can help farmers reduce or eliminate the use of harmful chemicals, creating safer conditions for everyone involved. Additionally, companies that invest in training farmers to adopt safer methods can help reduce the need for children to work in hazardous environments. These methods not only protect children but also contribute to healthier ecosystems by preventing harmful chemicals from contaminating the soil and water in cocoa-growing communities.
The Power of Awareness
Share the Message and Drive Change
The more people who know about these issues, the more we can pressure companies to improve their practices and protect children. Awareness is a powerful tool in the fight for safer cocoa farming. By sharing this blog with your friends, family, and social media networks, you can help raise awareness about the dangers children face in the cocoa industry and encourage others to make more informed choices.
Together, we can push for change. Every time we talk about this issue, share these statistics, and encourage others to support chocolate brands that are committed to reducing harm and improving livelihoods, we take a step toward protecting these children. With tools like the Chocolate Scorecard, you can find and support the brands that are actively working to reduce pesticide exposure and prioritise safety in their supply chains.