Nestlé Tackles Child Labour On Cocoa Farms

Andrew Shorey

Co-Presenters: William Rubinstein, Quinton Rossouw, Rafael Vallejos, Jassun Thompson, Nyla Scott

College: College of Business and Public Management

Major: BS.MANAGEMNT-GENBUS

Faculty Research Mentor: Dawn Adams-Harmon

Abstract:

Nestlé announced a new and innovative plan to tackle different sets of Child Labor risks, by raising the farmers' income and ensuring their value chain is eco-friendly. Nestle started an Income Accelerator Program to tackle child labor, improve the lives of farmers, and ensure full traceability in its cocoa supply chain. This initiative offers direct cash payments to cocoa-farming households for activities like enrolling children in school and adopting better agricultural practices such as pruning.

The researchers discuss problems surrounding sustainable farming practices, the exploitation of the working class, and the direct correlation between unlivable wages and child labor.

The researchers used a mixed methods approach to break down the statistics behind child labor and farmers' living income gap. Along with qualitative assessments to analyze the different farming practices preventing sustainability.

Results show that although they have made several changes to combat both the unlivable wages and increasing reliance on child labor, Nestlé does not take accountability for the exploitation of children. Nestlé’s improper oversight on farm working conditions and their reluctance to close the living income gap has directly led to farmers relying on child labor. Therefore, it is the socially responsible action for Nestlé to continue improving and expanding these programs, as well as taking preventative measures instead of reactive ones.

Keywords: Nestlé, Child Labor, Cocoa Farms, Living Income