In a remarkable turnaround, Cape Verde is transforming its agricultural sector just four years after grappling with a severe drought. Once plagued by crop failure, the island nation is now thriving with lush greenery, a sign of the country’s successful embrace of innovative agricultural practices. Central to this shift is the introduction of modern infrastructure, including seawater desalination plants, which are helping the nation overcome water scarcity.
A Boost for Farmers
Edy Simão, an agronomist, highlights the significant impact of these developments on local farmers. “These innovations to increase production and ensure better access to water will allow farmers to improve their livelihoods,” Simão said. While many Cape Verdean farmers have traditionally supplemented their income with jobs in sectors like construction, these advancements will enable them to fully rely on agriculture for their income.
Revolutionizing Agriculture
Cape Verde is making substantial investments in expanding its agricultural landscape. The government is introducing new crops suited to the region’s environment and boosting the capacity of seawater desalination to ensure a steady water supply. Complementing these efforts, the country is rolling out an agricultural insurance system aimed at providing additional security and stability for farmers.
Setting an Example for West Africa
Cape Verde’s agricultural reforms are positioning the country as a model for the wider West African region. With support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Cape Verde’s policy on agriculture and social protection was a central topic during the 16th meeting of the FAO’s West Africa office in Praia.
Bintia Stephen Tchicaya, FAO’s Public Policy Officer, stressed the need to view social protection as an investment in human capital, rather than an expense. “In many countries, social protection is often seen as a financial burden. We want governments to recognize it as a crucial investment for long-term development,” Tchicaya explained.
A Growing Challenge in Social Protection
Despite Cape Verde’s progress, the region as a whole still faces challenges in social protection coverage. West Africa, where only 13% of the population has access to at least one social protection service, lags behind in addressing these critical needs. However, Cape Verde’s ongoing transformation offers a glimmer of hope and could serve as a blueprint for sustainable development across the region.
