Firm sensitises 3,000 cocoa farmers in four states against child labour

…moves to grow production, exports

Barry Callebaut, a leading cocoa processing company in Nigeria, has sensitised 3,000 cocoa farmers drawn from 60 communities in four States, namely, Ondo, Osun, Ogun and Cross Rivers, against child labour, saying its entire supply chain will be covered by the Human Rights Due Diligence (HRDD), remediating all child labour cases identified across the Country.

Barry Callebaut extended its extensive child labour sensitization and awareness programme for cocoa horizons farmers in Nigeria to the four states as it recently conducted sequential sensitization programmes in Akure, Owo and Ondo town in Ondo State; Ife in Osun State; Ikom in Cross River State and Ogbere-Ijebu in Ogun State, reaching over 3,000 farmers from 60 communities in the mentioned states.

According to Mujeeb Oniyide, Country sustainability manager of the company, in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday in Akure, the Ondo state capital, farmers had also been sensitized on the impact of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) on the future of the cocoa business in Nigeria’s supply chain, particularly the cocoa farmer.

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Oniyide said; “discussions emphasized the severe effects of climate change and deforestation, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable farming practices.

“Barry Callebaut promoted the adoption of the agroforestry approach, which supports farmers’ livelihoods, enhances biodiversity, and helps preserve vital ecosystems. By adhering to EUDR guidelines, cocoa farmers contribute to reducing deforestation and forest degradation, playing a crucial role in combating climate change and ensuring environmental sustainability.

“This sensitization programme is part of the company’s broader efforts to create a lasting positive impact on both the environment and the lives of those who depend on cocoa farming.

“At Barry Callebaut, we plan that by 2025, our entire supply chain will be covered by Human Rights Due Diligence, remediating all child labor cases identified. Likewise, by 2030, the farming commu­nities we source from will be empowered to protect child rights.

“At the core of Barry Callebaut’s culture and values is a respect for human rights, forming an intrinsic part of our commitment to building a sustainable cocoa and other ingredients supply chain to make sustainable chocolate the norm. We source ingredients, especially cocoa, from regions where child labour is known to occur, for cocoa, mostly on family-owned farms.

“Under our Human Rights pillar, we envision that all children can embrace opportunities and realize their full potential living in communities that are safe and self-reliant for all. We support a system-strengthening approach, contributing to existing government structures, and working with multiple stakeholders.

“For our direct cocoa supply chain we aim to strengthen our community approach, which is child-participatory and gender sensitive and starts at the local level, engaging with children, parents, families, teachers, schools, and community members to create empowered communities that guide their development and make lasting change for the future.

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“This starts with understanding which farming communities are most at risk, and providing these farming communities with the necessary support through a combination of strengthening the local child protection system, access to quality education and adequate community infrastructure, and improved livelihoods.

“Our extensive child labour sensitization and awareness programme for cocoa horizons farmers in Nigeria recently was conducted sequentially in Akure, Owo, Ondo town, Ife, Ikom and Ogbere-Ijebu all in Ondo, Osun, Cross River and Ogun states, reaching over 3,000 farmers from 60 communities.

“Barry Callebaut is a leading supplier of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products. With a commitment to sustainability, the company strives to make sustainable chocolate the norm by 2025, working closely with farmers, communities, and partners to achieve this goal.”