A Strategic Approach to Eradicating Child Labour in Cocoa Farming

At Three Mountains Cocoa, we believe that tackling this issue requires more than just policy statements. It requires direct action, long-term investment, and systemic change. By placing education at the heart of our mission, we are helping to create a future where cocoa is produced ethically, children are in school, and farming communities are empowered with the tools and resources they need to thrive.

Child labour in cocoa farming is driven by a complex web of economic, social, and cultural factors. Many families rely on cocoa as their primary source of income, yet they often earn below a living wage. According to a report by the International Cocoa Initiative, poverty is one of the biggest contributors to child labour, with families forced to involve their children in farm work to meet household needs. (International Cocoa Initiative)

Many cocoa-growing regions have insufficient schools, poorly trained teachers, and high costs associated with schooling, which makes education inaccessible for many families. In some communities, it is common for children to help on family farms from an early age. While some tasks are considered safe, hazardous work, such as carrying heavy loads, using sharp tools, or handling chemicals, violating international labour standards. Despite laws against child labour, enforcement remains weak due to limited government resources and the remote nature of many cocoa farms.

Studies have consistently shown that access to education plays a crucial role in reducing child labour. When children are in school, they are less likely to work in hazardous conditions. Providing quality education, free school meals, and vocational training opportunities gives families alternatives to child labour. According to the International Labour Organization, increasing educational opportunities leads to better economic prospects for communities in the long run. (ILO)

At Three Mountains Cocoa, we are committed to eradicating child labour through education, awareness, and economic empowerment. We focus on three key areas to drive lasting change:

1. Investing in Educational Infrastructure
We work with local partners to build and improve schools in cocoa-growing communities, ensuring children have access to safe and quality education. Our efforts include:

• Constructing and renovating schools to create better learning environments
• Providing scholarships, school supplies, and uniforms to children from low-income families
• Supporting teacher training programs to improve the quality of education

2. Raising Awareness in Cocoa Communities
Many families are unaware of the long-term impact of child labour. Through awareness campaigns and farmer education programs, we:

• Educate parents about the risks of hazardous work and the importance of keeping children in school
• Provide training on safe and sustainable farming methods that reduce reliance on child labour
• Partner with local leaders to promote cultural shifts that prioritize education over farm labour

3. Economic Support for Cocoa Farmers
One of the most effective ways to combat child labour is to ensure farmers earn a living wage. Three Mountains Cocoa is committed to fair trade pricing, direct partnerships, and income diversification programs that help reduce the economic pressures leading to child labour. This includes:

• Paying above-market rates for ethically sourced cocoa
• Providing farmers with training on agroforestry and regenerative farming to increase yields sustainably
• Supporting women’s empowerment initiatives that create alternative income streams for cocoa-growing families

Tackling child labour is a business imperative. Consumers today demand greater transparency and ethical sourcing, and some companies that fail to address child labour in their supply chains.

Retailers and investors are also scrutinising sustainability efforts more closely. Regulatory pressure is increasing, with new legislation in the European Union requiring companies to conduct due diligence on human rights and environmental issues within their supply chains. (Reuters)

Ending child labour in cocoa farming requires collaboration across the industry—from governments and NGOs to chocolate brands and consumers. Three Mountains Cocoa is proud to be part of a movement that prioritises education, fair pay, and sustainability as the pillars of ethical cocoa production.

We believe that every child deserves a future beyond the cocoa farm. By investing in education and supporting cocoa-growing communities, we are shaping a cocoa industry that is fair, sustainable, and free from exploitation.

Change begins with us.