Digitalization and child labour in agriculture
Exploration of blockchain and GIS for child labour risk monitoring in cocoa production
DescriptionOverview of the initiative and its approach.
Digitalization and child labour in agriculture is a research-based resource designed to examine how blockchain and GIS can strengthen child labour risk monitoring in the cocoa sector. In particular, the resource assesses the potential role of blockchain technology and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in collecting and sharing data on cocoa-growing areas in Ghana, and how this could contribute to monitoring and ultimately preventing child labour in those areas. During an inception mission undertaken by FAO in Ghana, open consultations with various stakeholders in the cocoa sector led to the identification of a number of Key Data Elements (KDEs) to inform the design of a blockchain system, with the objective to facilitate real-time, cost-efficient and collaborative monitoring of the risk of child labour in cocoa-growing areas in Ghana.
TechnologyTechnology used by the initiative.
The resource highlights blockchain for data recording and GIS/remote sensing for mapping cocoa-growing areas and climate-related risks.
TargetUsers, groups, or communities targeted by the initiative.
The resource is beneficial to academics, civil society, public sector institutions, and rural development stakeholders. The document has been downloaded 1 100 times as of December 2025.
Business modelHow the initiative delivers and sustains its value.
The resource is publicly accessible and free of charge as part of FAO’s knowledge products.
ImpactThe observed or intended effects of the initiative.
The resource provided a structured data framework supporting risk estimation in cocoa-growing communities. With smallholder cocoa producers being the most vulnerable actors within this value chain, the implementation of technological monitoring systems is not a clear-cut route. The report highlighted that participation and engagement depend not only on the perception of the advantages to farmers and community, but also on issues that impact the adoption and use of information and communication technologies (ICT) such as availability, affordability, and literacy and effective use.
PartnersOrganizations and stakeholders involved in the initiative.
Wageningen University & Research (WUR)
Four BettersThe FAO Four Betters supported by the initiative.
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