It is with great enthusiasm that we present the AgriInno Global Challenge for agricultural innovation, a pioneering initiative aimed at driving significant change in Cape Verde’s agricultural sector. We recognise the vast potential of our archipelagos and the urgent need to adopt more sustainable, resilient and economically viable agricultural practices, capable of tackling the challenges posed by climate change and the volatility of global markets. This challenge aims to catalyse the entrepreneurial spirit and creativity of farmers, researchers, start-ups and civil society organisations, fostering the design and implementation of innovative solutions that meet the specific needs of our island context.
Agriculture in Cape Verde, despite its inherent challenges, such as water scarcity and soil fragility, is a fundamental pillar of the country’s food security, economic development and cultural preservation. Through the AgriInno Global Challenge, we seek to identify and support projects that can optimise the use of natural resources, promote crop diversification, introduce appropriate and accessible technologies, and improve the agricultural value chain, from production to the consumer. We want to see ideas flourish that ensure more abundant and higher-quality harvests, that promote local produce, and that open up new market opportunities, both nationally and internationally.
This challenge is not limited to the implementation of new technologies; it also serves as a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences. We encourage proposals that promote the sharing of best practices amongst farmers, involve the local community and contribute to capacity-building and skills development in the areas of sustainable agriculture and agricultural business management. We believe that innovation is a collective process and that, by pooling our efforts and expertise, we can build a more prosperous and sustainable future for Cape Verdean agriculture.
The programme will place particular emphasis on areas such as precision farming adapted to island conditions, the development of efficient and low-cost irrigation systems, the use of renewable energy in agricultural activities, integrated pest and disease management, and the creation of fairer and more transparent markets for local produce. Furthermore, we prioritise solutions that contribute to climate change adaptation, such as the development of crop varieties that are more resistant to drought and salinity, and the promotion of agroecological practices that restore soil health.
We firmly believe that the AgriInno Global Challenge for agricultural innovation will be a transformative milestone for the sector in Cape Verde. We invite all interested parties to explore the potential of this challenge and to join us on this journey towards a more robust, sustainable and innovative agricultural sector.
Applications are open until 31 July 2026. For further information and to submit your proposal, please visit: https://www.terravivagrants.org/global-agriinno-challenge/
