Achievements in Cote d'Ivoire (2006-2009) Print E-mail

Achievements:December 2009.

Our Ivorian implementing partner CARITAS reviewed the impact of their project in seven communities. In these communities, where ICI is present since June 2006, the number of children using machete has been reduced by 19%, the number of children involved directly in spraying activities (pesticides and fertilizers) by 26.2%, the number of children carrying heavy loads by almost 34%.

Our Ivorian implementing partner FEMAD reviewed the impact of their project in twenty two communities. In these communities, where ICI is present since January 2008, 989 children were interviewed at the end of the first phase of the project to evaluate the impact of the project in these communities. The school enrolment remains a challenge in these communities, with only 28% of the total population of children enrolled at school.  However, regarding the hazardous activities, in these communities, after 18 months of sensitization, the number of children using machete has been reduced by 63%, the number of children involved directly in spraying activities (pesticides and fertilizers) by 97% , and the number of children carrying heavy loads by almost 84% .

Our Ivorian implementing partner RENFCAP reviewed the impact of their project in twenty two communities. In these communities, where ICI is present since January 2008, 400 children were interviewed at the end of the first phase of the project to evaluate the impact of the project in these communities. In these 22 communities, the average attendance rate at school has increased from 65% to 79% in 18 months, while the dropout rate has decreased by 1%. Regarding hazardous activities, in those communities: the number of children using machete has been reduced by almost  46%, the number of children involved directly or indirectly (fetching water and being present while spraying)  in spraying activities (pesticides and fertilizers) by 80 %, and the number of children carrying heavy loads by almost 46% . 

Strategic Component: reinforce and replicate models for preventing and eliminating WFCL in cocoa communities - Overall Objective (2008-10): ICI interventions demonstrate significant impact and are being replicated by others.

Key Activities

  • ICI community based programme active in 86 communities in three regions, total population 390 000 with children reported as 33.6% of the population. Average community size 4 430.
  • At the end of December 2009, 2 708 community meetings have been held to sensitise the community and plan for change.
  • Coordination meetings held with local authorities to link community action with responsible departments at prefecture level.

Key Programme Outputs

  • After sensitization, in 98% of communities, children have been reported using machete, in 61%, children have been reported being present during spraying activities, in  89%, children have been reported carrying heavy loads.
  • 39 830 community members sensitised on child labour.
  • 86 community action plans (CAP) now adopted and being implemented (A quality education objective has been adopted in 100% of community action plans, 100% have committed to change labour practices, 50% have identified social amenities objectives e.g. water provision, sanitation, electricity etc.).
  • 22 micro-projects, mainly with education focus implemented or under implementation.

Key Programme Outcomes

  • Attitudinal change towards children reported and observed.
  • Active communities taking leadership in relevant community development.

Strategic Component: Support Governments, National institutions and the local supply chain in the design and implementation of relevant policies and programmes and the implementation of legal instruments - Overall objective (2008-10): Key actors at national level are actively supporting change

Key Activities

  • 855 key people in the public, civil society and private sector intensively trained in WFCL in 34 training events. Including 172 from Ministry of Agriculture, 153 from cocoa Cooperatives,219 Defence and security officers and 25 persons from the Judiciary system.
  • In 6 cocoa growing departments key staff have been trained and engaged in ICI community based programme.
  • Funding support and technical input provided to the development of the national action plan (In partnership with ILO IPEC, GTZ).
  • Two personnel from the Ministry of Justice sponsored for a trafficking seminar.

Key Programme Outputs

  • Increased informed awareness of practices at Ministry of Agriculture.
  • Initial engagement by cocoa cooperatives in their areas to combat WFCL.
  • Effective local NGO partner engagement at community level.
  • Police more effective in identifying and intercepting traffickers.
  • National action plan in place

Key Programme Outcomes

  • Increased awareness of the issue of child labour in cocoa.
  • An informed understanding of WFCL among a core number of key public sector people engaged in the cocoa sector who promote change.
  • Engagement by local authorities in community planning and support for projects.
  • Improved (better informed, less polemic) media coverage of WFCL and trafficking.
  • Police have intercepted and rescued over 200 children from being trafficked.
  • Local NGO partners act as department level champions against child labour.

Strategic Component: Support the availability of relevant quality education and training for children in cocoa communities – Overall objective (2008-10): Education models in ICI intervention areas demonstrate quality education for all

Key Activities

  • Sensitisation of communities on education.
  • Mobilisation of parents to engage with school management.
  • Advocacy with local education service at district/prefecture level.
  • Support for mobilization of local funds.

Key Programme Outputs

  • All 86 received CAPs with an education component adopted and being implemented.
  • 20 micro-projects related to education provision sponsored by ICI.
  • 12 initiatives from local authorities to support CAP implementation relate to education. 
  • 32 community initiatives to support CAP implementation relate to education provision.

Key Programme Outcomes

  • 37 communities have new or rehabilitated schools (representing 94 new / rehabilitated classrooms, benefiting directly  to 4 700 pupils – average of 50 pupils / classroom).
  • New teachers have been posted in 8 communities.
  • 12 new teachers have been posted.

Strategic Component: Support the provision of appropriate social protection services for victims of trafficking and forced labour – Overall objective (2008-10): Replicable effective models are established to identify, rescue and rehabilitate victims in priority areas

Key Activities

  • 219 police from special unit to combat trafficking and defence services trained, as well as 25 persons from the Judiciary system.
  • Advocacy for systematic approach with key ministries (Ministry of Labour Ministry of Family Women and Children).
  • Direct support to NGO MESAD to host trafficked victims

Key Programme Outputs

  • Increased competence and confidence to identify and address trafficking by police special unit.
  • Clear objectives established to combat trafficking in cocoa sector in National Action Plan.
  • Availability of NGO centre for trafficked children (2006 to 2008).

Key Programme Outcomes

  • Plans adopted to build 10 regional reception centres for trafficked children.
  • In Cote d’Ivoire, 239 trafficked children have been rescued by the police between June 2006 and July 2008.