Create Employment for 40 Mothers in Rural Ghana

With your investment in human capacity building, the Juaben oil mill is able to accomodate 10 new mothers. While not all of the proposed improvements have yet been financed, Self-Help International will continue to work with this important local industry to expand capacity in the future. Production has already increased by 20%, enhancing the local supply of palm oil for both domestic and industrial consumption.

As a result of the improvements to the facility, women are able to work more efficiently and they are working in a safer, cleaner and more healthy environment, which is also increasing their productivity. Processing more palm fruit also helps reduce postharvest waste, creating opportunities for new agricultural workers, especially young people. As more young people find work, social problems related to youth unemployment such as crime, prostitution and the high school dropout rate will be reduced.

Over fifty women now benefit directly from the new facilities as palm and kernel oil processors. Oil marketers as well as equipment processors are able to find more work. Hundreds of dependents of the farmers, processors, marketers and operators benefit from the increased income and economic activity generated, and families are now able to pay school fees and hospital bills, and food, clothing and shelter costs are much more affordable. 

The future impact of this expansion is clear: as more families are better able to support themselves, children are more healthy, stay longer in school, and have better opportunities, leading to a new generation of citizen leaders.