Cabo Verde’s Battle Against Climate Change
The small island developing State of Cabo Verde is taking a stand against climate change with assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The UN agency is facilitating knowledge exchange through South-South cooperation, with experts from China sharing their expertise with farmers in Cabo Verde.
About Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde comprises 10 islands in the central Atlantic Ocean, with nine of them being inhabited. Despite its name meaning “Green Cape” in Portuguese, the country faces challenges such as a harsh dry season and increasing temperatures due to climate change.
Challenges Faced
- Water scarcity during the dry season leading to the need for farmers to buy water
- Soil erosion and depletion of soil fertility
- Emergence of new pests like the fall armyworm affecting crops
FAO-China South-South Cooperation
Through the FAO-China South-South Cooperation Programme, Cabo Verde sought assistance in tackling these challenges. This initiative involves technical partnerships between developing countries to transfer knowledge and skills.
Impact on Farmers
Farmers in Cabo Verde, like Willy and Nena, have benefited from training on soil management and pest control provided by FAO. Willy, for example, has learned to improve soil quality using organic methods, leading to potential cost savings and increased productivity on his farm.
Turning Trash into Treasure
Additionally, initiatives like the UN-supported SIMILI project in Cabo Verde are turning waste into valuable resources. By transforming discarded fishing nets into handcrafted fabrics, the project promotes a circular economy that reduces waste and benefits the local community.
UN Support and Collaborative Efforts
The SIMILI project receives support from various UN agencies like FAO, UNIDO, UNDP, and IOM, working together to strengthen local entrepreneurship, promote sustainable development, and address challenges related to food systems and climate change.