Socio-Economic Impact

Employment

Fewer than 10% of employable people in the Kailahun District enjoy a cash income from formal employment.  Higher production of fruit in the oil palm smallholdings will create employment in field work and harvesting.

Infrastructure

Feeder roads from the oil palm smallholder areas to the main trunk road to Daru will require upgrading.  This will also provide improved access in and out of the oil palm areas for the rural communities, encouraging public transport through better road access.

Education and Skills Development

With a 32% literacy rate, the Kailahun District suffers from a dire shortage of education and skills development. Goldtree will contribute positively to vocational skills development for employees and smallholders in many disciplines, including agriculture, engineering, business management and finance.

Local Economic Growth

Increased cash in the local economy through the sale of fruit to te mill will not only benefit the rural oil palm communities but also those not directly connected with palm oil production through the growth of new commercial activity.  

Poverty Reduction

70% of the population of Sierra Leone live below the national poverty line, and a quarter in extreme poverty.  Any improvements in livelihoods through cash generating opportunities can have an impact on the reduction in poverty.