The International Cocoa Initiative last week hosted a learning workshop to share findings from a field survey on protecting children from exposure to pesticides in cocoa-growing communities in Ghana. This event brought together stakeholders, including government institutions, international organisations, cocoa and chocolate companies, pesticide manufacturers, and other stakeholders in the sector.
The study aimed to investigate children’s exposure to pesticides, the most prevalent hazard related to work in cocoa to which children in cocoa-growing communities are exposed in Ghana. Despite its prevalence, many local stakeholders have a limited understanding of the health risks related to pesticides use and children’s vulnerability. The research sought to gain a deeper understanding of the context of children’s exposure and identify entry points for intervention.
Anna Bruederle, ICI’s Research and Data Analysis Manager, noted, “The results of the study have been enlightening. Many of the effects of pesticides on children are not as a result of children directly applying the pesticide on the farm but rather related activities such as buying the pesticide, cleaning the spraying equipment, disposing of used pesticide containers."
Daniel Coffie, of the Department of Children, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection said, “The workshop gives me valuable perspectives for policy designs especially which area to be looked at in terms of protecting children from exposure for pesticides. It also gives us areas to be looked at when we go to cocoa communities for sensitization."
Emmanuel Kyeremateng-Amoah a Health Specialist at UNICEF in Ghana emphasised, “I think what most people lack knowledge about, is the fact that children are vulnerable to pesticide exposure even from prenatal to childhood when the mother is exposed. We must therefore increase awareness to caregivers, parents to be careful with their exposure to pesticides so that children do not suffer the consequences.”
As part of the workshop, participants engaged in smaller groups to explore next steps and broader strategies for better protecting children from pesticide exposure. These conversations spanned operational and policy levels, reflecting the collective nature of the fight against child labour. They also shared their expertise and insights, identifying potential solutions and areas for collaboration.
The survey's findings highlighted the need for collective action to safeguard the health and well-being of children in cocoa-growing communities.