Cape Verde

Cape Verde, officially known as Cabo Verde, is an island nation located in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 570 kilometers west of the coast of Senegal. The country consists of ten volcanic islands and several smaller islets, covering a total land area of about 4,033 square kilometers. The islands are divided into the Windward (Barlavento) and Leeward (Sotavento) groups and are characterized by rugged mountainous landscapes, steep valleys, rocky coastlines, and limited areas of arable land. Pico do Fogo, an active volcano on Fogo Island, is the highest point in the country, reaching 2,829 meters above sea level. Cape Verde has a predominantly arid to semi-arid tropical climate, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and the northeast trade winds. Rainfall is scarce and highly variable, with frequent droughts posing significant challenges to agriculture and water availability.

Agriculture plays a relatively modest role in the national economy due to the country's limited fertile land and water resources. Nevertheless, it remains an important source of livelihood in rural areas. Agricultural production is concentrated in valleys, terraces, and irrigated zones where water is available. The main food crops include maize, beans, sweet potatoes, cassava, and vegetables. Farmers also cultivate fruits such as bananas, papayas, mangoes, coconuts, and grapes, particularly on islands with more favorable environmental conditions. Sugarcane is an important cash crop and is used in the production of grogue, a traditional Cape Verdean spirit. Because domestic agricultural production is insufficient to meet national food demand, the country relies heavily on food imports. To improve productivity, farmers increasingly use irrigation systems, water-harvesting techniques, and drought-resistant crop varieties.

Forestry is limited by the country's dry climate and naturally sparse vegetation cover. Historically, many areas experienced severe deforestation due to fuelwood collection, overgrazing, and environmental degradation. In response, extensive reforestation and afforestation programs have been implemented since the twentieth century to reduce soil erosion, combat desertification, and improve environmental conditions. Tree species such as acacia, eucalyptus, pine, and various drought-tolerant shrubs have been planted across several islands. Although forests cover only a relatively small proportion of the land area, they play a crucial role in watershed protection, biodiversity conservation, and climate adaptation. Sustainable forest management remains an important environmental priority given the country's fragile ecosystems and vulnerability to land degradation.

The fishery sector is one of Cape Verde's most significant natural-resource industries. The country's extensive exclusive economic zone and strategic location in the Atlantic Ocean provide access to rich marine resources. Fisheries contribute to employment, food security, and export earnings, particularly through the harvesting and processing of tuna and other pelagic species. Commonly caught fish include tuna, mackerel, swordfish, lobster, and various demersal species. Artisanal fishing dominates the sector and supports many coastal communities, although industrial fishing and fish-processing activities have expanded in recent decades. Fish products are among the country's most important exports, especially to European markets. However, the sector faces challenges such as fluctuating fish stocks, limited infrastructure, climate change, and the need for improved resource management. Sustainable fishing practices, monitoring programs, and international cooperation are therefore essential for maintaining the long-term productivity of marine ecosystems.

Overall, Cape Verde's geography is defined by its volcanic islands, mountainous terrain, and arid climate, which create significant constraints on agriculture and forestry. As a result, the country depends heavily on careful resource management and technological adaptation to support food production and environmental sustainability. At the same time, its extensive marine resources make fisheries a vital pillar of the economy and an important contributor to national development.

2013 were Gerold and Klaudia one week holiday on Santiago, the capital island of Cape Verde. There in Santiago, a poor place on the east coast (the maps say Pedro Badejo), in a nice hotel, even if it looked a bit misplaced and quite empty. In Tarrafal in the north there was even a white sandy beach. Otherwise too far away for another trip here.