Environmental & Social Review Summary
Project Number
7436
Company Name
Societe de Production de Legumes S.A.
Date ESRS Disclosed
Feb 5, 2010
Country
Cameroon
Region
Africa
Last Updated Date
Dec 31, 2016
Environmental Category
B - Limited
Status
Completed
Previous Events
Approved : Jun 24, 1996
Signed : Nov 28, 1996
Invested : Dec 30, 1996
Sector
Grains and Beans
Industry
Agribusiness and Forestry
Department
Regional Industry - MAS Africa
Project Description
-2-
May 14, 1996
Project Name Cameroon-Proleg II
Region Sub-Saharan Africa
Sector Agribusiness
Project No. 007436
May 14, 1996
1. This project which is being financed through the Africa Enterprise Fund involves the second phase expansion of Proleg’s existing vegetable growing operation and diversification into raspberry production. Fresh and frozen vegetable and fruit products will be exported to Europe, mainly France. The total project cost is US$2.4 million of which AEF has been approached to provide a loan of US$0.5 million.
2. This is a category B project according to IFC''s environmental review procedure because specific impacts may result which can be avoided or mitigated by adhering to generally recognized performance standards, guidelines or design criteria. The review of this project consisted of appraising technical and environmental information submitted by the project sponsor. The following key environmental, health and safety issues that were considered in this projects include:
· environmental impacts of past operations;
· chemical handling and application;
· integrated pest management (IPM)
· water supply and management;
· provision of personal protective equipment; and
· general employee safety and training..
The information about how these potential impacts are addressed in the development of the proposed project is summarized in the paragraphs that follow.
3. The farm has been successfully managed since IFC’s first investment in the company. There have been no health problems encountered in Proleg’s work force nor any problems associated with water supply or pesticides handling. There has also been no outbreak of pests or contamination/poisoning resulting from pesticide use. Impacts associated with past operations are thus minimal.
4. Pest control involves the use of only those pesticides permitted under Government and World Bank guidelines. Proleg currently utilizes Benomyl, a chemical for which alternatives are strongly recommended as per World Bank guidelines. Accordingly the company has committed to eliminate the use of Benomyl once existing stocks have been used up, or within six months of IFC’s first project loan disbursement, whichever comes first.
5. With regard to employee health and safety issues concerning chemical handling and application protective equipment including boots, gloves, an impermeable membrane suit are provided, and breathing masks. All employees are trained in safe chemical handling practices. Washing of hands and body is required after chemical handling and application; and in order to prevent accidental ingestion of chemicals, no smoking, drinking or eating is permitted during application. All application doses are recorded so at to minimize chemical use. Chemicals are stored in a separate locked area and after the mixing of individual chemical batches the mixing area is cleaned. To prevent improper re-use, all of chemical containers are either recycled or buried in a suitable area away from protected potable water wells.
6. Through logging of all pesticide use Proleg minimizes their reliance on chemicals. They have successfully utilized IPM in controlling caterpillars and will continue to experiment with IPM pest control methods.
7. During the dry season between November and February, Proleg obtains irrigation water from a nearby river. This use has no adverse impacts on other users and a healthy population of fish remains in the river. During the rainy season the land is left fallow and no irrigation water is required.
8. Based on its review of available information regarding potential environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures, IFC concludes that proposed project is being designed to meet the Government of Cameroon’s requirements, and World Bank policies and environmental, health and safety guidelines.
9. IFC will monitor Proleg’s ongoing compliance with World Bank policies and guidelines during the life of the project by evaluating monitoring reports submitted annually to IFC by the sponsor and by conducting periodic site reviews during project supervision.
L:\WPEU\LB\AEF\CAMEROON\PROLEG2.ERS
May 14, 1996 2:15 PM
May 14, 1996
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW SUMMARY (ERS)
Project Name Cameroon-Proleg II
Region Sub-Saharan Africa
Sector Agribusiness
Project No. 007436
May 14, 1996
1. This project which is being financed through the Africa Enterprise Fund involves the second phase expansion of Proleg’s existing vegetable growing operation and diversification into raspberry production. Fresh and frozen vegetable and fruit products will be exported to Europe, mainly France. The total project cost is US$2.4 million of which AEF has been approached to provide a loan of US$0.5 million.
2. This is a category B project according to IFC''s environmental review procedure because specific impacts may result which can be avoided or mitigated by adhering to generally recognized performance standards, guidelines or design criteria. The review of this project consisted of appraising technical and environmental information submitted by the project sponsor. The following key environmental, health and safety issues that were considered in this projects include:
· environmental impacts of past operations;
· chemical handling and application;
· integrated pest management (IPM)
· water supply and management;
· provision of personal protective equipment; and
· general employee safety and training..
The information about how these potential impacts are addressed in the development of the proposed project is summarized in the paragraphs that follow.
3. The farm has been successfully managed since IFC’s first investment in the company. There have been no health problems encountered in Proleg’s work force nor any problems associated with water supply or pesticides handling. There has also been no outbreak of pests or contamination/poisoning resulting from pesticide use. Impacts associated with past operations are thus minimal.
4. Pest control involves the use of only those pesticides permitted under Government and World Bank guidelines. Proleg currently utilizes Benomyl, a chemical for which alternatives are strongly recommended as per World Bank guidelines. Accordingly the company has committed to eliminate the use of Benomyl once existing stocks have been used up, or within six months of IFC’s first project loan disbursement, whichever comes first.
5. With regard to employee health and safety issues concerning chemical handling and application protective equipment including boots, gloves, an impermeable membrane suit are provided, and breathing masks. All employees are trained in safe chemical handling practices. Washing of hands and body is required after chemical handling and application; and in order to prevent accidental ingestion of chemicals, no smoking, drinking or eating is permitted during application. All application doses are recorded so at to minimize chemical use. Chemicals are stored in a separate locked area and after the mixing of individual chemical batches the mixing area is cleaned. To prevent improper re-use, all of chemical containers are either recycled or buried in a suitable area away from protected potable water wells.
6. Through logging of all pesticide use Proleg minimizes their reliance on chemicals. They have successfully utilized IPM in controlling caterpillars and will continue to experiment with IPM pest control methods.
7. During the dry season between November and February, Proleg obtains irrigation water from a nearby river. This use has no adverse impacts on other users and a healthy population of fish remains in the river. During the rainy season the land is left fallow and no irrigation water is required.
8. Based on its review of available information regarding potential environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures, IFC concludes that proposed project is being designed to meet the Government of Cameroon’s requirements, and World Bank policies and environmental, health and safety guidelines.
9. IFC will monitor Proleg’s ongoing compliance with World Bank policies and guidelines during the life of the project by evaluating monitoring reports submitted annually to IFC by the sponsor and by conducting periodic site reviews during project supervision.
L:\WPEU\LB\AEF\CAMEROON\PROLEG2.ERS
May 14, 1996 2:15 PM
Environmental and Social Mitigation Measures
Broad Community Support
Related SII
