Progetti per la diversificazione economica in Africa

Livelihood Restoration Plan: in Ghana for the creation of value

We promoted socio-economic development and training activities in the country to support 205 families from the Sanzule communities.

A project to facilitate access to energy

The development of national gas resources in Ghana is a priority to improve access to energy and stimulate more income for the country. To implement the Offshore Cape Three Points (OCTP) project and build the land-based reception systems for gas from the Sankofa field, we have obtained land grants in the communities of Sanzule and others in neighbouring areas in the Western Region of Ghana. The acquired area, which is approximately 96 hectares, has directly or indirectly affected 205 households who used that land for their livelihoods. 

In 2022, the level of production was 32,000 boe/day, supplied by the Sankofa field in the OCTP operated permit. The OCTP is the only deepwater non-associated gas development project entirely dedicated to the domestic market in Sub-Saharan Africa. It will ensure reliable supplies of gas to Ghana, equivalent to 65% of requirements, at a competitive price, giving a substantial contribution to access to energy and the economic development of the country. 

The project was developed in accordance with the most stringent environmental requirements, zero gas flaring and reinjection of the water produced and associated gas. Work performed during the year focused on the optimisation of production and maintenance.

For the training and development of entrepreneurial skills

To manage the socio-economic changes resulting from the plant's construction, we launched a programme to promote income-generating activities and improve the living standards of beneficiaries in a sustainable way. The Livelihood Restoration Plan (LRP), which forms part of the wider Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP), was carried out in compliance with international standards, in particular with IFC PS5 (International Finance Corporation Performance Standard number 5) on land acquisition and involuntary resettlement.

The programme aims to restore the livelihoods of families through:

  • food support during the transitional phase
  • financial training programme for good management of compensation received following the land acquisition
  • the start up of new sustainable businesses.

Specifically, we will encourage new farming businesses, livestock farming, aquaculture, small trading businesses and market access.

Livelihood Restoration Plan: lo sviluppo in Ghana

The Livelihood Restoration Plan for development in Ghana

The LRP programme trained and supported around 1,400 people on starting up new businesses in Ghana.

PHOTOGALLERY

A project in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a blueprint signed by the 193 member countries of the UN in September 2015 which covers 17 goals aimed at the socio-economic development of communities and regions. In line with the eighth objective, as part of this project we are promoting development-oriented policies that support productive activities, the creation of decent jobs, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation. We are also helping to:

  • encourage the formalisation and growth of micro, small and medium-sized businesses (Objective 8)
  • achieve goals that aim to put an end to world poverty (Objective 1) and hunger (Objective 2) 
  • strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development (Objective 17).

How we take on challenges

In the initial phase of the project implementation, the beneficiaries were able to choose from a range of production activities to be managed directly with the support of Eni Ghana. In some cases, during the project's development, beneficiaries asked to change their business, choosing others that would generate profit more quickly, asking to sell their entire production or their own equipment. In response to these requirements, we have adopted ad hoc solutions, proposing more suitable alternatives to recipients. More specifically, we have:

  • provided for the possibility of identifying family members who could take turns in the business
  • reinforced sessions in technical training and financial and economic management
  • enriched the amount and nature of the equipment initially distributed
  • raised awareness of the importance of small businesses generating income for the community. 

In addition to Technoserve, an NGO supporting the project that works with small entrepreneurs in over 40 developing countries, we have also worked closely with community elders to share the modus operandi. More generally, we managed a complaint management system with the NGO, which proved to be very useful in resolving any community tensions.

Impact on the environment and communities

From 2016 to 2021, with an investment of 3.9 million dollars, together with the partners of the joint venture, we are providing capacity building, facilities, equipment and support which benefits over 1,400 people. In particular, the LRP project involves the development of businesses, mainly in the agriculture, livestock, aquaculture and trade sectors. The families benefiting from it have chosen one or two economic projects to manage and grow. Over 60 families have chosen aquaculture and will benefit from the setting up and management of lakes for breeding, harvesting and selling fish. The initiative also includes other activities, like refrigeration and storage, bakery, feed production, processing of fish, cassava, maize and other food, and also professional and technical activities such as mechanical workshops, the production of clothes and accessories, hairdressing, welding, carpentry, shoemaking, payment services and shops. The different parties involved are establishing a virtuous circle that stimulates the growth of a market capable of creating value at a local level.