Fedrok and FarmRight pilot on-chain verification to reduce child-labour risk on Ghana’s cocoa and palm farms

Fedrok and FarmRight pilot on-chain verification to reduce child-labour risk on Ghana’s cocoa and palm farms

In the heart of Ghana, where cocoa and palm trees thrive, a pressing issue looms large: child labor. Children as young as five are often seen working in these fields, risking their health and future. This is not just a moral dilemma but a significant challenge for the global supply chain. Enter Fedrok and FarmRight, two organizations that are piloting a groundbreaking solution: on-chain verification.

On-chain verification is like having a digital fingerprint for every piece of cocoa or palm oil. By using blockchain technology, Fedrok and FarmRight aim to ensure that every step in the production process is transparent and traceable. This means that consumers can be confident that the products they buy are ethically sourced.

The pilot project began with smallholder farmers in Ghana. Each farmer’s identity and landholdings are recorded on the blockchain, creating a secure and immutable record. When children are found working on these farms, their presence can be quickly identified through this system. This early detection allows for immediate intervention by local authorities and NGOs, ensuring that children are removed from hazardous work environments.

But how does this work in practice? Let’s take an example from one of the participating farms. A community worker conducts an inspection and finds a child laborer. The worker takes a photo with their smartphone, which is then uploaded to the blockchain network. Within minutes, this information is visible to all stakeholders involved in the supply chain. This rapid response mechanism has proven to be highly effective in reducing child labor incidents.

The benefits of this approach extend beyond just ethical considerations. By improving transparency and accountability, Fedrok and FarmRight hope to attract more responsible investors who prioritize sustainability. This could lead to better wages, improved working conditions, and ultimately, a more resilient agricultural sector.

As we look ahead, it’s clear that technology holds immense potential in addressing complex social issues like child labor. However, success will depend on collaboration between governments, NGOs, tech companies, and farmers themselves. Only through collective effort can we ensure that Ghana’s cocoa and palm farms become safe havens for both children and workers.

Fedrok and FarmRight pilot on-chain verification to reduce child-labour risk on Ghana’s cocoa and palm farms

Fedrok and FarmRight pilot on-chain verification to reduce child-labour risk on Ghana’s cocoa and palm farms