The Importance of CSR and the issue of child labour in the cocoa Research Paper

The Importance of CSR and the issue of child labour in the cocoa Industry - Africa - Research Paper Example The experience of child labor issue in cocoa industry delivers significant lessons to the stakeholders who are related with the supply chain procedure of cocoa. It has been recognized that every stakeholder is liable for the issue of child labor in cocoa production and appropriate CSR initiatives must be applied for overcoming this issue. Child labor is considered as a sensitive issue in the international commercial practices. Child labor has existed since log time. In several nations, many children are used to suffering every day due to the bane of child labor and they grow with grueling memories which not only destruct their future, but the future of the nation as well. Among other industries, cocoa industry has been considered as one of the most vital sectors, which involves child labor by a considerable extent. During 2000 to 2001, a study of International Labor Office (ILO) reported that in West African region, children were being marketed and engaged in harmful and slave-like situations in cocoa businesses. Reviews were also conducted in the year 2002 in order to illuminate the occurrence of child labor in cocoa industry in several West African nations. From the review, it has been found that about 284,000 children were employed in cocoa firms with unsafe working situations. In a number of cocoa firms, it has been found that children perform for in excess of 12 hours in a day. These child laborers are less likely to take school education (International Labour Office, 2005). Children are considered as the future of a nation. However, it is apparent that a number of children are used for cocoa production in order to minimize the manufacturing expenses and make higher revenue. It can be observed that the key cultivators of cocoa are less concerned regarding this unethical trade practice. All stakeholders who are related with the long and complex supply chain of cocoa industry are responsible for the issue of child labor. It has also been