Santo Antão Farmers Face Severe Challenges from Pests and Drought

Farmers on the island of Santo Antão in Cape Verde are experiencing significant difficulties, primarily due to widespread pest infestations and a lack of water, impacting nearly all crops. President of the Ribeira Fria Farmers Association, Adilson Gomes, highlighted that the situation has worsened in recent years, leading to substantial losses, including tons of damaged tomatoes. He expressed pessimism for the current agricultural season, citing reduced production and the ongoing struggle against pests. Farmers feel that governmental support, particularly for pest prevention, is insufficient. Gomes believes more proactive measures are needed from the Ministry of Agriculture to mitigate the spread of pests before they become difficult to control. The lack of effective solutions is causing widespread discouragement, with many farmers abandoning agriculture in search of alternative livelihoods due to the inability to achieve profitability. Maria do Rosário, president of the Ponta de Cinta Community Association, voiced concerns for families reliant on rain-fed agriculture, noting that crops like corn, sweet potato, and pumpkin are frequently attacked, jeopardizing harvests and essential income. The absence of rural extensionists, who previously bridged the gap between agricultural services and producers, is deeply felt, leaving farmers without crucial identification and combat guidance for pests. Agronomist Miguel Montrond confirmed that despite Santo Antão's agricultural potential, pest issues, including millipedes and threats to citrus and coffee, hinder development and lead to product embargoes. He advocates for a collaborative effort between the government, farmers, and technical services, emphasizing prevention. The National Institute of Agricultural Research and Development (INIDA) is enhancing biological control methods, utilizing a bio-factory in Santo Antão to produce trichogramma for pest egg destruction. However, INIDA faces limitations in specialized personnel for plant protection and challenges in conducting farmer training due to their demanding work schedules.