CNN International launches 'Cocoa-nomics'

A coca farmer (image credit: CNN)

CNN has launched a new CNN Freedom Project documentary, 'Cocoa-nomics', from the cocoa plantations of the Ivory Coast presented by Richard Quest. The documentary highlights the fight against child labour.

Two years ago CNN presented a documentary on the issue of child labour in the chocolate industry in "Chocolate's Child Slaves".

In 'Cocoa-nomics', Quest goes on a journey in search of progress in the fight against child labour, which ultimately has its roots embedded in poverty. Following the supply chain from bean to bar, he examines the collective efforts to reform the cocoa industry - the fundamental socio-economic solutions needed to secure a sustainable future for cocoa farming and the chocolate industry.

It's reported that as the global demand for chocolate rises, so does the threat to the supply of cocoa. It's a pivotal time in the development of the cocoa economy in West Africa, for the industry, and the next generation of cocoa farmers.

Mike McCarthy, senior vice president, Programming at CNN International says: "When the CNN Freedom Project first reported on the dynamics of child labor in Ivory Coast, it was not enough to do a standalone report. By drawing the line from poverty to profit, 'Cocoa-nomics' explores how progress has been made in the effort to combat child labour. By following up our original documentary, we continue to evolve The Freedom Project's core mission from not raising awareness but to driving effective change."