Banana Capital: Stories, Science, and Poison at the Equator

by Ben Brisbois

For more than a century, banana plantations and farms in Latin America have defined the landscape and economies wherever these fruits are grown—toxic chemicals, exploited workers, and fragile monocultures are their legacy.

At the southern end of Ecuador’s la costa region lies the city of Machala, the self-described “Banana Capital” of the world. There, farmers and workers experience alarming rates of negative health effects associated with widespread pesticide use along with precarious and unsafe working conditions. Banana Stories, Science, and Poison at the Equator reveals the grim realities of daily life for banana farmers and, beyond that, seeks to understand and address these challenges.

Ben Brisbois’s search for understanding leads him back to the 19th-century origins of banana production in the Americas and through over a century of imperialism, bloodshed, and ecological devastation. Along the way, he uncovers how worker-led resistances and the ever-unpredictable ecosystem thwart repeated attempts by powerful multinationals and their government allies to extract more and more wealth from banana plantations at the cost of Latin American health and lives.

Banana Capital reveals the power dynamics of life in the banana industry— dynamics vividly experienced by workers caught in a struggle against corporations prioritizing profit over the health of the land and the community.

Genres: Food, Nonfiction, Environment

368 pages, Paperback

Published March 4, 2025

Reviews

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into Banana Republic by Ben Brisbois expecting an interesting take on science and the environment, but I wasn’t prepared for just how much I’d learn. This book introduced me to the history of South America in a way I’d never explored before. I had no idea how damaging banana cultivation was—not just to the environment, but to the farmers who are trapped in cycles of exploitation.

What really intrigued me, though, was Brisbois’s exploration of the deep links between capitalism and racism within this space. The book highlights how colonial legacies still shape global trade and how multinational corporations prioritise profit over people, particularly in the Global South. It’s uncomfortable but necessary reading.

Brisbois’s writing is immersive, blending scientific research with real-world stories, though at times the dense academic detail made it a bit heavy-going. A slightly more accessible approach would have widened its appeal. That said, Banana Republic is a thought-provoking and powerful read for anyone interested in environmental justice, global inequality, and food politics. It left me questioning the systems we often take for granted—always the sign of a good book.

If you're looking for a book that unpacks the hidden costs of the food industry and challenges mainstream narratives, this one’s for you.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

[Clare O'Beara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reviewing this book with regard to general readership, but it does seem more suited to students of Central America. The author, a medical student, but not a doctor, went to see banana plantations and learn the history of how and why and where bananas were / are grown. He introduces many human stories from ordinary workers.

Countries like Ecuador and Guatemala feature largely, with plantations on a colonial basis becoming nationally / privately owned and equally exploitative, it seems. In an attempt to outrun the fungal disease to which the Gros Michel banana plant was susceptible, new ground was seized, slashed and planted. But the same workers and tools were brought, so the fungus continued to spread. The Cavendish plant was then introduced, kept healthy by doses of pesticide which were equally toxic to workers. Only recently has anyone been suggesting organic or fairly traded crops.

The blood-soaked and economically troubled history of the countries is explored, more than a reader about plants might expect. Well, this is where we get the term banana republic. Modern families say their small farm is surrounded by plantations and they can't get other work. They are paid 200 dollars a month, with no money left for medicine in case of illness. Crowded, unsanitary, unsafe buses are normal transport, with stops for soldiers to inspect the passengers at roadblocks.

Notes and glossary are at the back, starting on p. 275 in my e-ARC and occupying almost a third of the book. The pages are densely written, often with two and a half paragraphs per page, but there are some photos. This book would be interesting to those studying developing nations, Central America, global food trade, post-colonial history, medical, environmental and social conditions and grocery food chains.

I read an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me hear you say, this book is bananas …B-A-N-A-N-A-S. Ben Brisbois went to see banana plantations and learn the history of how and why and where bananas are grown. He shares with us, personal stories of workers and the injustice of growing bananas. Brisbois, opens the readers eyes to the toxic chemicals and monoculture farming and makes a strong case for more sustainable and ethical agricultural practices. I know I won’t look at bananas the same.

Thank you University of Regina Press and NetGalley for an ARC. I am counting the days until the season starts. #BananaCapital #NetGalley.