The Government of São Tomé and Príncipe has expressed a strong desire to initiate a successor to the Agricultural and Fisheries Support Project (PAFAE). “On behalf of the Government of São Tomé and Príncipe, I reaffirm our desire and need for a PAFAE II, a new phase that allows us to deepen and consolidate the achievements obtained. Until then, we would like to count on Portugal’s support in funding the ‘bridge project’ to ensure activities are not interrupted on the ground,” appealed Nilton Garrido, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fishing of São Tomé and Príncipe, during the official PAFAE closing ceremony on Friday.
Minister Garrido highlighted several advancements facilitated by the project for the country’s agricultural sector, including the renewal of plantations comprising 108 hectares of cocoa, 36 hectares of coffee, and more than two hectares of pepper.
Additionally, the project trained over 1,700 producers nationwide, facilitated both international and national exchanges, and produced technical and educational content, such as approximately seven technical manuals, an agroecological best practices manual, and the first cocoa sensory guide in São Tomé and Príncipe.
The São Toméan official also noted the project’s contributions to gender equity promotion, including the formation of four committees and the holding of 70 community sessions, investments in agricultural infrastructure, improvements in pepper processing centers, the installation of an irrigation system, the photovoltaic central at the Agro-Technological Research Center (CIAT), and the construction of improved dryers.
Further advancements noted by Garrido encompass the legalization of 36 associations with enhanced national competences, the creation of the first organic association, sponsorship of 20 editions of organic product fairs, and subsidies exceeding 500,000 euros to associations, cooperatives, and micro-entrepreneurs.
Portugal’s ambassador to São Tomé and Príncipe, Luís Leandro da Silva, emphasized the success of PAFAE, stating, “The PAFAE is one of the best cooperation projects in São Tomé and Príncipe and has produced excellent results that are visible, multifaceted, and measurable.” He further stressed the project’s impact on the country’s agriculture, noting its strengthened resilience and increased attractiveness in cocoa, coffee, pepper, and coconut production.
Luís Leandro da Silva vowed to ensure the project’s continuation, remarking on the significant legacy PAFAE leaves behind. “It leaves a very important legacy, and I promise to work so it doesn’t end here and can, hopefully, enter a new phase,” he said.
The PAFAE initiative was jointly funded with 4.8 million euros by the European Union (EU) and Portuguese Cooperation and executed by the Marquês de Vale Flor Institute (IMVF) in association with São Tomé and Príncipe’s Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fishing.
Carolina Quina, executive administrator of IMVF, emphasized the project’s collective effort, stating, “This is a collective work, the results are the fruit of collective effort, and I tell you, I believe everyone, without excluding anyone, should be very proud of the path we have taken.”
