What is the issue of child labour in the banana industry?

Child labor in the banana industry is a significant concern, particularly in countries like Ecuador and Costa Rica, where many children are engaged in hazardous work conditions on plantations. These children often work long hours, face exposure to harmful pesticides, and miss out on education. The demand for cheap bananas in global markets perpetuates this cycle of exploitation, as growers seek to minimize labor costs. Despite international efforts to combat child labor, enforcement remains weak, and many families rely on the income generated by their children's work for survival.