Cabo Verde
PARM process in Cabo Verde was implemented from 2015 to 2019, leading to the delivery of a number of activities that facilitated the integration of Agricultural Risk Management (ARM) into the country policy framework.
PARM Phases Status (H1)
Country Outcomes
Cabo Verde is an archipelagic, dry country with erratic rains, intense soil erosion, little arable land and a high dependence on food imports. These characteristics present several risks for the country’s agricultural sector and food security. PARM Process is contributing to managing agricultural risks in Cabo Verde. It has assisted the Government to:
- Assess and prioritize agricultural risks
- Identify the right tools to manage agricultural risks
- Develop capacities on ARM
- Mainstream ARM into policy
In view of the on-going PARM Process in the country, stakeholder identified the lack of rain, pests on crops, drought, animal disease, land degradation and inadequate market information as the major risks affecting agricultural activities. Following the prioritization process, three key risks were identified for priority attention; 1) price volatility, 2) drought and 3) crop pest.
After the risk assessment phase, PARM and its partners in Cabo Verde identified Strengthening Farmers Organisations and Cooperatives to Access Market as the single most important tool to provide solutions to the most pressing agricultural risk challenges. A feasibility study launched in 2018 confirmed the potential of this tool for ARM.
In terms of capacity development, the PARM Process reached out to over 120 stakeholders through its CD1 and CD3 respectively in July 2016 and April 2018. The training increased general awareness of agricultural risks and improved knowledge of the identified ARM tool and the potential investment opportunities within the country.
Through the commitment of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment (MAA), Cabo Verde has advanced the integration of ARM into national agricultural policies, including the PNIA-SAN, which could significantly improve farmers’ livelihoods and their ability to organize and respond to multiple risks
Setting Up
NEPAD Mission
A first NEPAD mission to Cabo Verde took place in April 2015 to launch the PARM setting-up phase and establish primary contacts with the government and national stakeholders.
Expression of Interest
By February 2016, the Government of Cabo Verde sent a letter to formalize the country’s interest and to confirm the Government’s decision to commit to the PARM process. A CAADP focal point was nominated by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Risk Assessment
Risk Assessment Study
A Terms of Reference (ToR) for Risk Assessment Study (RAS) was developed in March 2016 and the study was completed in four months. PARM also led a complementary study on information systems in 2016 to assess the availability and access to robust agricultural risk related information systems for stakeholders in Cabo Verde.
Risk Assessment Validation Workshop
On 14-15 July 2016, a National Stakeholder Workshop was organised to discuss the findings from the draft RAS report. After revising the report with comments from the partners, it was validated in February 2017.
Capacity Development (CD1) Seminar
PARM also organised a Capacity Development (CD1) Seminar on 13 July 2016 to introduce stakeholders to the holistic approach to Agricultural Risk Management, the PARM’s risk assessment methodology, and an overview of ARM tools. The presentations for the CD activity is documented in the Vol II of the RAS Validation Workshop Report.
Policy Dialogue
Feasibility Study
PARM and its partners identified Strengthening Farmers Organisations and Cooperatives to Access Market as the single most important ARM tool for investment in Cabo Verde. A feasibility study was launched in September 2017 to look into the investment options for this ARM tool. The study was finalized in March 2018, and validated in May 2018.
The complete report is still under formatting and will be shared in the coming weeks.
Training on ARM Tools (CD3)
A one-day CD3 training activity on how to use the ARM tools was organized back to back to the High-Level Dissemination Workshop and delivered on the 9th of May 2018.
High-level Dissemination Workshop
The results of the feasibility study were presented during the High-Level Dissemination Workshop in Praia on the 10th of May 2018. The workshop also welcomed stakeholders to dialogue on the possible investment options into the tool. A strong commitment was expressed by the MoA of Cabo Verde.
Implementation
Country Final Report
The overall PARM process led to a number of achievements. Many of which include: bringing the concept of ARM to the core of development and agricultural policies, improving perceptions on risks through the risk assessment and prioritization study, strengthening capacities, enhancing partnerships on ARM, identifying priority ARM tools for investment, and engaging with the Government, local institutions and development partners to mainstream ARM components in the National Agricultural Investment Program, Food Security and (PNIA-SAN).
All these achievements and many other outcomes are documented in the Cabo Verde final report.