Environmental & Social Review Summary
Project Number
7707
Company Name
Horticultural Farms & Exports
Date ESRS Disclosed
Feb 5, 2010
Country
Tanzania
Region
Africa
Last Updated Date
Dec 31, 2016
Environmental Category
B - Limited
Status
Completed
Previous Events
Approved : Oct 16, 1996
Signed : Oct 16, 1996
Invested : Jan 15, 1997
Sector
Horticultural Products (Flowers)
Industry
Agribusiness and Forestry
Department
Regional Industry - MAS Africa
Project Description
Environmental Review Summary (ERS)
Project Name TANZANIA: Horticultural Farms & Exports Ltd.
Region Sub-Saharan Africa
Sector Agribusiness
Project No. 007707
August 30, 1996
1. This project which is being financed through the Africa Enterprise Fund involves the expansion of an existing Arusha based rose growing operation from 1 ha to 6 ha. The expansion will enable the sponsor to diversify and improve the variety of flowers grown to better suit market demand. Tanzania Flowers, the oldest and largest flower exporter in Tanzania, are co-sponsors of the project. Total project cost is estimated at US$1.8 million of which AEF has been approached to provide a loan of US$800,000.
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 following key environmental health and safety issues were analyzed:
- pesticide handling and application;
- integrated pest management;
- water supply;
- CFC-free cold storage;
- disposal of pesticide containers; and
- provision of personal protective equipment and training.
The sponsor has submitted a report outlining how the key issues listed above are being addressed, this information is summarized below.
3. All pesticides used by the company are permissible as per World Bank guidelines. The company does not currently have any IPM programs, however they have committed to explore IPM methods and report back to IFC on these issues in their annual monitoring reports.
5. Water supply is from a stream which emerges from a spring 0.8 km above the farm. Local people report that this stream never dries out. As there is a river which the stream feeds into immediately downstream of the farm, impacts on other users do not arise.
6. The majority of used pesticide containers will be recycled. Those containers not recycled will be rinsed, punctured and buried on the farm in order to prevent improper re-use. The rinse water will be captured in a tank and will be reused, thus preventing unnecessary surface chemical runoff. The sponsor has also committed to using only CFC-free cold storage units.
7. Staff handling pesticides will be provided with special clothing, gloves, breathing masks, and boots. Training is provided on safe handling and application procedures by the Farm Manager and the Chemical Supervisor.
8. Based on its review of available information regarding potential environmental impacts and proposed mitigation measures, IFC concludes that the proposed project is being designed to meet Government of Tanzania’s requirements, and World Bank policies, and environmental, health and safety guidelines.
9 IFC will monitor 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.
Environmental and Social Mitigation Measures
Broad Community Support
Related SII
