Ivory Coast's bittersweet cocoa industry

Summary

In Ivory Coast, cocoa farmers like Mark and Conan face harsh realities, earning just a few dollars a day despite contributing to nearly half of the world's cocoa supply. Despite government promises to fix cocoa prices, farmers report that most buyers ignore the official rates, paying far less. This exploitation threatens the livelihoods of farmers, who may abandon their farms. Campaigners advocate for fair trade chocolate, ensuring farmers receive a fair price. As the global chocolate industry rakes in billions, it's the West African farmers who continue to suffer, living in poverty and struggling for a better future.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cocoa farmers in Ivory Coast supply almost half of the world's cocoa beans, yet they live in extreme poverty.
• 😀 Despite government efforts to fix cocoa prices at $15 per kilogram, farmers often receive only a fraction of that amount, usually around $1 per kilogram.
• 😀 Farmers like Mark and Conan struggle to afford basic necessities like medicine and fertilizers, which could improve their productivity.
• 😀 The economic instability in Ivory Coast, exacerbated by past violence, means cocoa is crucial for rebuilding the national economy.
• 😀 If cocoa farmers do not start making a profit soon, many may abandon their farms in favor of growing other crops, which would increase global chocolate prices.
• 😀 Campaigners advocate for fair trade chocolate as a solution, ensuring farmers receive a fair price for their labor.
• 😀 Fair trade chocolate is seen as a way to improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and reduce exploitation in the global supply chain.
• 😀 Despite dropping cocoa prices in recent weeks, manufacturers, buyers, and suppliers continue to make billions in profit.
• 😀 The disparity between the wealth of chocolate manufacturers and the poverty of cocoa farmers is considered a major ethical issue.
• 😀 Consumers are encouraged to choose fair trade products to support farmers and help ensure they receive a just income for their work.

Q & A

What is the significance of the cocoa farms in Ivory Coast?

The cocoa farms in Ivory Coast are crucial as they supply nearly half of the world's cocoa beans. This makes them a key player in the global chocolate industry.

How much do the farmers in Ivory Coast typically earn?

Farmers in Ivory Coast earn only a few dollars a day for their hard work, which is not enough to cover basic needs like medicine or fertilizers.

What is the impact of the price of cocoa on farmers?

Although the Ivorian government has set a fixed price of around $15 per kilogram for cocoa, many buyers pay farmers just over $1 per kilogram, leaving them with little income.

What strategy do some farmers suggest to improve the situation?

Some farmers recommend that others withhold their cocoa beans from buyers to force them to respect the government-fixed price.

What are the potential consequences if farmers don't start making a profit?

If farmers don’t make a profit soon, they may abandon cocoa farming and switch to growing other crops, which could lead to higher chocolate prices globally.

Why is there a push for fair trade chocolate?

Campaigners advocate for fair trade chocolate to ensure that farmers receive a fair price for their cocoa, which would improve their livelihoods and address the inequity in the industry.

What role do consumers play in supporting cocoa farmers?

Consumers can support cocoa farmers by buying fair trade products, ensuring that farmers receive a better price for their cocoa beans and encouraging companies to adopt fair trade practices.

How has the political history of Ivory Coast affected its cocoa industry?

The violence in Ivory Coast nearly destroyed the economy, but cocoa farming remains a vital part of its recovery, though farmers still face significant economic challenges.

What is the economic discrepancy in the cocoa trade?

Despite the drop in cocoa prices recently, suppliers, buyers, and manufacturers continue to make billions, while the farmers in West Africa remain impoverished.

What is the main message from the report about the cocoa industry in Ivory Coast?

The report highlights the disparity in the cocoa industry, where the global chocolate market profits significantly while the farmers, who produce the raw material, struggle to make a living.