Our Projects & Partnerships
Planting Naturals has a long track record of partnering with leading development organisations, donors, and private-sector initiatives to strengthen sustainable palm-oil production, improve smallholder livelihoods, and accelerate rural economic growth in Sierra Leone. Over the years, we have implemented a series of high-impact programmes focused on outgrower development, farmer training, market access, youth employment, climate-smart agriculture, and value-chain formalisation. These collaborations have enabled us to scale our operations responsibly while delivering measurable social, economic, and environmental benefits for the communities we serve.
Below is a list of the projects Planting Naturals has undertaken:
Technical Assistance Facility (TAF) Smallholder Support Program
With the support of TechnoServe, Planting Naturals (Goldtree SL Ltd) was able to do capacity building training for smallholders in Kailahun district, Sierra Leone. Focusing on setting up farmers groups, farm maintenance, harvesting so that yield can be improved and farmers income can increase. Achievement - 133 Associations formed - APEX body was formed - 19 Associations received leadership training. - Officially registered farmer group with Ministry of Welfare - Registered 6377 smallholders - Cultivated areas covered 11,765has
SWAPP – Sustainable West Africa Oil Palm Programme(2018–2021)
SWAPP enabled the establishment of Farmer Support Centres (FSCs) and expanded technical advisory services to smallholders, improving FFB quality and yield while strengthening extension delivery.
Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF)(2016–2021)
Support from AECF introduced RSPO and organic-certified palm and palm kernel oil production into Sierra Leone’s oil palm sector. Project Achievements: - Building an outgrower network of 5,000 smallholder farmers - Integrating smallholders into high-value markets - Strengthening compliance with global sustainability standards
Sierra Leone Agribusiness Development Fund (SLADF)
Through SLADF, Planting Naturals (GT & NEDOIL) implemented a major smallholder rehabilitation programme focused on the renovation and restoration of oil palm plantations. The fund is designed to promote strong commercial linkages between agribusinesses and outgrowers, enabling higher farmer incomes, improved competitiveness, and greater long-term investment in rural communities. Key Impact Areas: - Support to smallholder and outgrower networks - Strengthening farmer productivity and market access - Promoting women and youth inclusion - Enhancing agribusiness operational capacity
Community farms
Communities formed themselves into groups and they were support by the company with improved variety of seedlings just to increase FFB yield. The company also supported with land clearing in there rice farms, considering HCV areas. Total community 18 - Chiefdoms 5 - Total hectares 95 - Total farmers 600
Community raffle
As sign of appreciation, Planting Naturals (Goldtree SL Ltd) organizes an annual raffle draw for smallholders. Thousand of leones are shared on prize items like seedlings, motor bike, zinc, wheelbarrow and rice etc. It’s the best opportunity for smallholder to visit the mill site and interact with other farmers.
FBK Community Resilience Project (2022–2025)
The FBK project focuses on strengthening community resilience, with a specific emphasis on combating child labour. Initiatives include: - Establishment of Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) - Deployment of a functional child labour monitoring system - Community-level interventions addressing poverty and vulnerability
LEGEND Challenge Fund (2016–2018)
This project focused on responsible land governance, applying global best practices under the VGGT framework. Implemented by Solidaridad West Africa, it strengthened land rights protection, food security, and ethical investment principles in agriculture.