Socapalm Mbambou plantation recently concluded an intensive three-day training program designed to strengthen the supervisory skills of its team leaders.
Focused on site organization, clear instruction delivery, and proactive work monitoring, the initiative aimed to harmonize field practices across operations. Initiated by Plantation Director Jean-François Camoin after identifying varying skill levels upon his arrival in July 2024, the program began with over 150 agricultural team leaders before extending to site managers and technical staff.
Developed in collaboration with internal stakeholders including the CDA, APP, and the agricultural technical department under Director Guenaelle Renevot, the training was structured around three operational cohorts. The curriculum focused on essential management fundamentals required for day-to-day agricultural success.
As Renevot emphasized, team leaders carry the dual responsibility of hitting daily quantity and quality targets while effectively guiding their workers through both the exact methods and the underlying reasons for each task.
The instructional modules established a structured three-step operational routine for field supervisors. Sessions began with morning preparation, encompassing roll call, attendance tracking, task assignment, and equipment checks, followed by the delivery of precise instructions covering location, methodology, and expected volume.
Crucially, the training highlighted continuous field monitoring, urging team leaders to observe ongoing tasks, verify quality compliance, and correct discrepancies immediately rather than waiting for the end of the workday.
Beyond operational mechanics, the program placed significant emphasis on leadership, gender inclusion, and human capital recognition. Participant Mbangue Charles highlighted how clear communication directly supports the plantation’s primary goal of oil production, while nursery team leader Maikode Cécile showcased the vital role of female leadership and positive reinforcement in motivating field crews. For Director Camoin, fostering a sense of personal responsibility among supervisors remains the cornerstone of driving sustainable operational improvements on the ground.
The capacity-building effort in Mbambou reflects a broader strategic vision for Socapalm to leverage skills development across its industrial and agricultural footprint. By empowering supervisors and embedding continuous improvement directly into daily workflows, the company reinforces its core belief that industrial performance is driven by its workforce.
Moving forward, Socapalm continues to align operational efficiency with human potential, proving that empowering workers remains the key equation for sustainable production.
