Benin, a small West African nation, is the focus of Deadliest Journeys’ documentary Cotton At All Costs. Here in Benin, cotton has become an essential part of their economy and lifestyle; however, the production of such a vital commodity comes at great cost.
The people of Benin rely heavily on cotton-growing as a source of income. Cotton accounts for 60-70 percent of the country’s exports and provides employment to almost half a million people. Unfortunately, this reliance on cotton has created a number of environmental challenges due to extensive pesticide use and soil erosion from overfarming. These issues are further exacerbated by lack of resources to buy protective gear for farmers or invest in sustainable farming methods.
In addition to environmental degradation, there is also an extreme health risk associated with handling toxic chemicals without proper safety protocols in place. The power dynamic between landowners and farmers is also heavily imbalanced – with farmers constantly under pressure to produce more cotton for less money regardless of the consequences.
Deadliest Journeys’ documentary Cotton At All Costs takes us on an eye-opening journey into Benin’s cotton industry; it documents the ongoing struggles faced by its citizens trying to make ends meet while protecting their environment and their health at the same time. Through personal interviews with those directly affected, we get an intimate look into how these communities are attempting to fight against the odds – all at the cost of their own wellbeing and future prospects.
By watching this powerful documentary, you will gain a valuable insight into life in Benin and witness first hand how existing socio-economic conditions create immense difficulties for locals who live there every day. It truly captures the stark realities that so many people around the world face whilst trying to provide for their families: hard work with little reward and highly detrimental outcomes both physically and economically. We invite you to watch Cotton At All Costs and learn how these individuals are courageously
