Cabo Verde: Island Food Security and Metabolic Health

Cabo Verde is a West African Small Island Developing State whose food system begins as much at ports and fishing harbours as on farms. FAO reports that more than 80% of food is imported. Drought, limited arable land and transport between islands shape food prices, while fisheries and water-efficient horticulture offer important local opportunities.

Cabo Verde at a glance

• Import dependence: more than four-fifths of food arrives from abroad.
• Climate constraint: prolonged drought and erratic rainfall limit maize, beans and livestock.
• Traditional strengths: fish, beans, maize, vegetables and locally adapted island dishes.
• Inter-island challenge: cold chains and shipping determine whether nutritious foods move reliably between islands.
• Practical opportunity: align the ENSANS 2035 food strategy with metabolic-health prevention.

An archipelago of different food environments

Cabo Verde’s islands do not share one economy. Tourism is especially important on some islands, while others depend more on farming, fisheries or migration income. National policy must account for these differences rather than assuming one uniform food environment.

Ports create both vulnerability and opportunity. Imports can supply pulses, frozen vegetables and whole grains, but they also bring sugary drinks, refined snacks and heavily processed foods. Import policy should consider nutritional quality as well as volume and price.

Drought, maize and beans

Rainfed maize has strong cultural importance but highly variable yields. Beans, horticulture and small livestock contribute diversity when water permits. FAO reported below-average maize production in 2025 after poor rainfall.

Water-efficient irrigation, protected cultivation and soil conservation can help, but local agriculture cannot replace imports entirely. Resilience comes from diversified supply, not an unrealistic promise of self-sufficiency.

Fisheries and cold chains

The ocean is a major source of food and livelihoods. Better landing facilities, cold storage and inter-island transport can keep fish affordable and reduce waste.

Fish can support metabolic health when it replaces heavily processed meats and is served with beans and vegetables. Fisheries management must keep stocks sustainable and protect local access.

Sugary drinks and tourism economies

Tourism can expand jobs and food choice, but it can also increase fast food, sweetened beverages and restaurant portions. Workers and residents need healthy options that are affordable outside tourist enclaves.

Water and unsweetened drinks should be visible defaults in schools, workplaces, ports and sports settings. Fiscal and procurement policies can reduce routine added-sugar exposure.

Priorities for progress

1. Use import policy to improve nutritional quality and affordability.
2. Strengthen fisheries, cold storage and inter-island transport.
3. Invest in water-efficient horticulture and soil protection.
4. Make water and unsweetened drinks routine defaults.
5. Improve school and tourism-sector food standards.
6. Integrate diabetes and hypertension screening with continuing primary care.

Key takeaway

Cabo Verde’s island geography makes food governance a health intervention. Better imports, sustainable fisheries, climate-resilient farming and reliable transport can protect both food security and metabolic health.

Selected authoritative sources

• WHO health data overview: Cabo Verde
• WHO Africa: Cabo Verde
• FAO: Drought within an ocean
• FAO GIEWS: Cabo Verde country brief
• FAO country profile: Cabo Verde

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