Socapalm strives to improve relations with communities by contributing to the economic and social development of the regions in which it operates.

Socapalm participates in the economic development of local communities within its plantations, in particular by purchasing FFB (Fresh Fruit Bunches) from smallholders. In 2023, the purchased volumes amounted to 167 353 tons of FFB for a total value of K CFAF 16 989 517.

Also, local communities have free access to Socapalm’s medical services which, although not hospitals (medical centers), intervene in emergencies, provide first aid, and make logistical resources available in the event of medical evacuations to external referral hospitals.

About 400 local residents and other people not belonging to Socapalm benefited from first aid treatment at the medical centers or first aid posts in 2023.

Local communities also have access to free education for their children in schools built by Socapalm.

Socapalm financed the installation of power lines, wells and boreholes, and community buildings such as marketplaces.

Every year, Socapalm also excavates and grades tracks, and builds and maintains bridges linking villages and main roads.

As part of its “win-win” partnership with NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations), ICGs (Inter-Community Groups) and local communities, Socapalm considers their actual project involvement. The latter are very often consulted or even invited to take part in meetings organized by the company or by the departmental authorities.

Socapalm regularly involves the stakeholders with whom it interacts on a daily basis. These stakeholders include government departments, NGOs, smallholders, and local communities.

Socapalm is involved in permanent tripartite dialogue platforms between its plantations, the local population groups living near these plantations and the State of Cameroon. During these meetings, the concerns raised by all stakeholders and the resolutions or recommendations envisaged are discussed and recorded in reports, and followed up by the State of Cameroon, playing the role of “referee”.

In 2023, 181 bipartite meetings were held between Socapalm’s 6 plantations and its 48 local communities. The table below shows the distribution of communities by plantation. In addition, 4 tripartite meetings were held between Socapalm, the local communities and the administrative authorities of each plantation’s region. This number of meetings illustrates Socapalm’s desire to maintain an open, permanent, and transparent communication with its stakeholders, as stated in its environmental policy.

This regular stakeholder involvement, in this case the local communities, is a practice that allows Socapalm to:

• Assume responsibility for the social, economic and environmental impacts it generates and work to avoid, mitigate or repair them;
• Contribute to improving the livelihood of the people in its area of influence;
• Listen attentively to stakeholders in order to understand and manage the associated risks.