Investing in rural people in Sao Tome and Principe

IFAD’s presence in the country since the 1980s has resulted in the financing of seven investment projects in the agricultural sector. These projects have facilitated community development in several rural localities. They have also created four cooperatives, constructed infrastructure to open up production areas, and revitalized the cocoa, coffee, vanilla and pepper value chains for organic niche markets, and supported the production of food crops, particularly cereals, legumes and vegetables.

These projects have contributed to the strengthening of the organizational, technical and financial capacities of professional agricultural organizations, including women’s organizations.

IFAD remains one of the most important technical and financial partners in the rural sector. Its work has led to the development of strategies and mechanisms to support poor people in rural areas. Women, in particular, are now more effectively included in development interventions that have an impact on their lives.