amatheon
Community initiative

Social Responsibility

Community initiatives

More than 80% of Amatheon’s workforce comes from its areas of operations, and as an anchor investor, Amatheon is committed to boosting nearby social and economic infrastructure. Engaging in projects which support local health and educational facilities provides a happier, healthier and more productive workforce. To bolster these efforts, Amatheon established Environmental and Community Sustainability Committees (ECSC) in Uganda and Zambia which bring together local leaders, community members, local government representatives and Amatheon staff in an open and participatory manner. This platform enables Amatheon to be regularly engaged with communities, tailoring activities and efforts specifically to the company’s catchment area.

In Zambia, employees and seasonal workers have daily access to free counselling with regards to drug abuse, domestic violence, sexual abuse and HIV. Since Amatheon’s inception, Zambian social infrastructure was boosted by the construction of teachers houses, the extension of classrooms, initiation of school gardens, and wiring schools for future electrification and evening literacy classes. The company has also organized football tournaments, bringing together communities and national talent scouts while selected staff members compete with community teams.

 

Supporting rural healthcare through local and international partnerships

Since 2018, Amatheon partnered with a leading German non-profit welfare organisation, the Arbeiter-Samariter Bund (ASB), one of the largest medical technology companies, B.Braun, and other German companies to better support rural health care, facilities and services in the Mumbwa District. The partnership involves capacity development of local medical staff, infrastructure improvements at Health Posts, provision of an ambulance, and bicycles for community health volunteers.

In Uganda, Amatheon provided school furniture to teachers and children of Wii-Anaka Primary School where 300 children were sitting on the floor during study time. This furniture established a more supportive and motivating learning environment for children. Furthermore, Amatheon partners with Anaka Hospital and conducts quarterly Health Outreach days in the villages surrounding Amatheon’s farm. The initiative reaches around 1,500 people each year with a special focus on screening and sensitization on HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B, malaria prevention and treatment – particularly for children -, maternal health and family planning, as well as educational sessions on hygiene and sanitation. The delivery of medical services, an early diagnosis from illness and health education does not only improve the health situation of the rural communities but benefits also the company’s workforce that comes from nearby local villages.


Climate-friendly construction solutions

Since 2019, Amatheon Agri Uganda established a partnership with the Impact Building Solutions Foundation (IBSF) Factory, a social enterprise which focuses on the local production of eco-friendly alternatives in construction by using rice straw sourced from Amatheon’s farm and the surrounding area. The IBSF Foundation maximizes the use of rice straw as a by-product in a sustainable way, while at the same time creating perspectives for local communities.

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Outgrower Programme

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Environmental Enhancement