Agricultural technicians and farmers from the Cape Verde island of Santo Antão took part in a week-long training course on Agroecology and Agricultural Techniques that started on 24 February 2024. The training took place as part of the CIRAWA Project – Agroecological Strategies for Resilient Agriculture in West Africa.
It was carried out by ICRAF/Mali – International Centre for Agroforestry Research (World Agroforestry) and aimed to strengthen the farmers’ capacity in various agroforestry techniques and practices, such as:
- Assisted natural regeneration (ANR);
- Plant propagation in nurseries using seeds and vegetative propagules;
- Tree planting and fruit tree management techniques.
The training had a strong practical component and was carried out in the nursery and experimental field of Casa do Mei and the nursery of Planalto Leste.
Participants welcomed the training as a valuable asset:
- “I’m going to pass on the knowledge I’ve acquired to my colleagues. I can promote practice more, since I already have the theory.” – Lidiane Magali, ICTA student.
- “The training was enriching. I already knew about the practice of agroforestry. The aim now is to publicise it to those who don’t know about it.” – Armindo Cosme, Agricultural Technician.
- “I was very pleased with what I learned about planting, grafting, and working with seeds. Now I’m going to put it into practice.” – Tito Fonseca, Farmer.
Agroecological workshop and practical training sessions as part of CIRAWA Project activities in Cape Verde. Source: REVOLVE
The four-and-a-half-year CIRAWA Project, which is funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe programme, aims to increase climate resilience and agricultural productivity at local and community level, guaranteeing the viability of small farms. It also seeks to protect the environment in West Africa through agroecological solutions while also contributing to improving the resilience of food supply chains in eight regions of Cape Verde, Ghana, Senegal and The Gambia.
The project is coordinated by the CARTIF Technology Centre (Spain) and brings together a total of 14 partners from 9 European and African countries.
In Cape Verde, the project is taking place on the islands of Santo Antão and Maio and is regionally coordinated by ADPM Mértola in partnership with the Cape Verde Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Casa do Meio Young Farmers’ Association and the Planalto Leste Women’s Association.
Featured Image: CIRAWA Project workshop in Cape Verde. Source: REVOLVE
