DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjebm.2026.v13i04.002

Pages: 196-199

The study aims to assess how PROTHEM S.A. contributes to local communities, livelihoods, and regional growth by examining various aspects of socioeconomic progress influenced by its operations. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combines qualitative and quantitative data collection, with an emphasis on qualitative coding to enhance data reliability and validity. The target population includes 144 PROTHEM staff members and 9,264 tea cultivators across the five provinces, totaling 9,408 individuals. Stratified sampling based on Alain Bouchard’s method was employed to select 57 staff members and 94 cultivators, ensuring a 95% confidence level with a 10% margin of error. The findings show that PROTHEM SA staff members’ consumption has significantly increased, with expenditures exceeding 300,000 BIF. Notably, 19 respondents reported spending 400,000 BIF, reflecting increased revenue since joining the organization. Savings among members have also improved markedly: 36.1% (21 respondents) save between 100,000 and 200,000 BIF, while 25% (14 respondents) can save over 200,000 BIF, and another 14 respondents (also 25%) are able to save more than 400,000 BIF. This enhanced capacity to save offers members opportunities to start new businesses alongside their agricultural activities, contributing to improved living conditions. On the production side, tea output varied across locations.