The Story of Chocolate: Unwrapping the Bar

Summary

The script highlights the bitter reality behind the chocolate industry, where cocoa farmers in West Africa face exploitation and poverty despite the high demand for chocolate. It discusses the challenges of cocoa farming, the impact of climate change, and the importance of Fairtrade certification in providing a minimum price and premium for farmers. The script emphasizes the need for consumers to support fair trade to ensure a living income for farmers, and the collective effort required to transform the industry for a sustainable future.

Takeaways

• 🍫 Chocolate is a globally popular treat, with the UK consuming an average of three bars per person per week.
• 🌍 The history of chocolate dates back over 2,000 years, and most cocoa is now grown in West Africa, particularly in Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire.
• 🌱 Cocoa grows on trees in pods and requires a significant amount of labor and time to cultivate, including a five-year growth period and a fermentation process.
• 🌡️ Climate change and weather patterns pose challenges to cocoa farmers, increasing the risk of crop damage and disease.
• 💰 Many cocoa farmers are underpaid and live in poverty, earning less than one dollar a day, which is insufficient to cover basic needs.
• 📉 The price of cocoa has recently plummeted, exacerbating the financial struggles of cocoa farmers.
• 🛍️ Fair trade practices offer a minimum price and additional premium for cocoa farmers, providing a safety net and resources for community investments.
• 🏆 Fairtrade certification has led to increased production for some farmers and has empowered women in farming communities.
• 👩‍🌾 Women in West Africa often face barriers to land, credit, and leadership roles, but initiatives like the women's society at Khayat are working to empower them.
• 🌱 Diversification of crops is important for farmers to have a stable income, especially when cocoa prices are volatile.
• 🛒 Choosing fair trade chocolate is a consumer action that can support farmers and encourage retailers to offer fairer deals.
• 🌟 The ultimate goal is to ensure a living income for cocoa farmers, which is estimated to be $2.50 per person per day, to cover basic needs and reinvestment in their farms.

Q & A

How popular is chocolate in the UK, and what does this consumption imply about the cocoa industry?

In the UK, chocolate is extremely popular, with an average consumption of about three bars per person per week. This high demand implies a significant reliance on the cocoa industry, which has a complex impact on the lives of cocoa farmers, many of whom face underpayment and exploitation.

What is the historical origin of chocolate, and where is most of the world's cocoa grown today?

Chocolate's history dates back over 2,000 years to Mexico, but today, most of the world's cocoa is grown in West Africa, with Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire contributing 60% of the global supply.

How is cocoa produced, and what are the challenges faced by cocoa farmers?

Cocoa is produced from trees that take five years to grow pods. The pods are cut down, and the beans inside are fermented and dried. Cocoa farmers face hard work and challenges such as weather dependency, diseases, and the impact of climate change, which can lead to crop damage or loss.

How does the fluctuation in cocoa prices affect the livelihood of cocoa farmers?

Fluctuations in cocoa prices can have a disastrous effect on farmers' livelihoods. When prices plummet, farmers may not earn enough to provide basic necessities for their families, pushing them further into poverty.

What is the Fairtrade system, and how does it help cocoa farmers?

The Fairtrade system provides a minimum price for cocoa that cannot drop below a certain level, acting as a safety net for farmers when market prices are low. Additionally, a Fairtrade premium is paid for every ton of cocoa sold, which farmers can invest in their community or business, such as schools, health centers, or infrastructure.

How does Fairtrade certification impact the production and income of cocoa farmers?

Fairtrade certification not only provides a minimum price and premium but also access to training in good agricultural practices, which can increase production efficiency and, consequently, farmers' incomes.

What role do women play in the cocoa farming communities, and how does Fairtrade support them?

Women in cocoa farming communities often have less access to resources and are underrepresented in leadership roles. Fairtrade initiatives aim to empower women by providing them with access to independent income through diversification projects and supporting their participation in cooperatives and community decision-making.

Why is diversification important for cocoa farming communities, and how does it benefit them?

Diversification is crucial as it allows farmers to grow other crops, providing an independent income that is not solely reliant on fluctuating cocoa prices. This additional revenue can support families throughout the year, especially during off-harvest seasons.

What is the concept of a 'living income' for cocoa farmers, and why is it important?

A living income refers to an amount that enables cocoa farmers to provide for their families' basic needs, including food, health, education, and a decent home. It is important because without a living income, farmers may not be able to sustain their livelihoods and may turn to other, more profitable crops.

What is the estimated living income for cocoa farmers in Cote d'Ivoire, and how does it compare to their current earnings?

The estimated living income needed to cover basic needs in Cote d'Ivoire is $2.50 per day per person in the household, which is close to the price of a large bar of chocolate. However, most farmers currently earn far less than this amount.

What steps can consumers take to support a fairer deal for cocoa farmers?

Consumers can support a fairer deal for cocoa farmers by choosing Fairtrade certified chocolate, which signals to retailers and the industry the demand for ethically sourced products. Additionally, advocating for living income initiatives and supporting companies that commit to fair trade practices can contribute to positive change in the cocoa industry.