Deadliest Roads | Ivory Coast: Gold and Cocoa Rush

The Ivory Coast, the world’s largest cocoa bean producer, is facing a crisis. The cocoa industry that once sustained the country’s economy and provided livelihoods for thousands of people is now struggling to maintain its footing. It’s not just the falling prices of the beans, which is crushing the industry, and the local farmers who are bearing the brunt of it all. Poor infrastructure and inadequate roads, which crisscross the country, making it impossible to transport goods, is also a significant impediment to the business.

The story of this troubled industry is detailed in a new documentary film that gives a rare insight into the daily struggles of the local people. The documentary is an honest and unfiltered account of the lives of the cocoa producers and drivers in the Ivory Coast.

We follow the story of Yakou, one of the last drivers willing to supply the most remote villages, who takes up to 10 hours to travel a short distance of just 45 kilometers. Yakou’s son helps him during the vacations, but the journey is so demanding that he does not want to inherit the family’s one item of wealth: the truck.

Through the eyes of Yakou and others, we see the toll the industry is taking on the people who depend on it for their livelihood. The roads are treacherous, the vehicles are often in disrepair, and the drivers often face hostile terrain to transport their goods. It’s a heroic struggle, but it has a human cost.

The documentary takes an honest look at the challenges faced by the people of the Ivory Coast, and their determination to overcome them. It’s a story that inspires hope and a call to action, reminding us that even in our darkest hours, there is a glimmer of light.

If you’re interested in learning more about the cocoa industry and the story of the people who depend on it, I highly recommend that you watch this documentary. It’s an eye-opening and emotional journey that will leave you with a deep appreciation for the sacrifices the local people make in the name of the cocoa industry.