Pesticides are widely used in cocoa farming to protect crops, but unsafe practices expose children in cocoa-growing communities to serious health risks. Children can come into contact with pesticides not only on farms, but also in their everyday home environment, through storage, handling, and residues in treated areas. Protecting children from exposure to pesticides is therefore not only the responsibility of those who spray pesticides, but of all members of cocoa-growing communities.
ICI, with support from The Hershey’s Company, piloted a community-based approach to reduce children’s exposure to pesticides in cocoa-growing communities in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. This evaluation assesses how the pilot was implemented, how it was perceived by communities and stakeholders, and what changes in awareness and practices were observed. It also highlights lessons learned and recommendations to strengthen and scale effective interventions.
