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Cape Verde, an archipelago with unique challenges in terms of food security and nutrition, faces an urgent need for innovative and sustainable solutions. O Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) Food and Nutrition Challenge 2025 is a crucial opportunity to promote projects that address these issues in an effective and integrated way.

The Challenge of Food and Nutrition Security in Cape Verde

Cape Verde, due to its insular geography and limited resources, relies heavily on food imports, making it vulnerable to price fluctuations and disruptions in global supply chains. The recurring drought further exacerbates the situation, affecting local agricultural production and the availability of nutritious food.

Worrying statistics

  • According to data from Cape Verde's National Statistics Institute (INE), a significant percentage of the population, especially in rural areas, faces moderate to severe food insecurity.
  • Although child malnutrition has decreased in recent years, it remains a concern, with stunting rates (stunting) above the regional average on some islands.
  • Obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension are on the rise, reflecting changes in dietary patterns and lifestyles.

The CCAC Food and Nutrition Challenge 2025: An Opportunity for Change

O CCAC Food and Nutrition Challenge 2025 aims to support projects that reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) in the food and agriculture sector, while improving food security and nutrition. This challenge provides a platform for organisations, companies and individuals in Cape Verde to present innovative solutions that address these interconnected challenges.

Challenge Focus Areas

  • Climate Smart Agriculture: Promote agricultural practices that reduce emissions of SLCPs, increase resilience to climate change and improve productivity and food quality.
  • Food Waste Management: Implementing solutions to reduce food waste throughout the value chain, from production to consumption, minimising methane emissions from landfills.
  • Sustainable and Nutritious Diets: Encouraging the consumption of local, seasonal and nutritious food, reducing dependence on imported food and promoting healthy eating habits.
  • Clean Technologies in the Cold Chain: Adopt efficient, low-carbon technologies for refrigeration and food preservation, reducing emissions of fluorinated gases (HFCs).

Examples of Potential Projects in Cape Verde

In Cape Verde, the CCAC Food and Nutrition Challenge 2025 can finance a variety of innovative projects. Here are some examples:

  • Implementation of efficient irrigation systems: Use of drip or micro-sprinkler irrigation technologies to reduce water consumption and increase agricultural productivity in drought-affected areas.
  • Promoting composting of organic waste: Creation of community composting programmes to turn food waste into organic fertiliser, reducing methane emissions and improving soil fertility.
  • Development of local product value chains: Support for small farmers to produce and market nutritious and sustainable food, such as fruit, vegetables and pulses, through local markets and cooperatives.
  • Implementation of solar cooling systems: Installation of solar-powered refrigeration systems to store and preserve food in rural areas without access to electricity.

Case Study: Success in Sub-Saharan Africa

A similar project implemented in Kenya, funded by a similar initiative, demonstrated the potential for impact. The project introduced conservation agriculture and water management techniques, resulting in a 30% increase in maize production and a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. This success serves as inspiration and proves that innovative solutions can be replicated and adapted to the Cape Verdean context.

How to take part in the CCAC Food and Nutrition Challenge 2025

The application process for the CCAC Food and Nutrition Challenge 2025 involves submitting a detailed proposal describing the project, its objectives, planned activities, budget and expected results. It is essential that the proposal clearly demonstrates how the project will contribute to reducing SLCP emissions and improving food and nutrition security in Cape Verde.

Proposals will be assessed on the basis of criteria such as innovation, potential impact, feasibility, sustainability and the capacity of the project team. It is highly recommended that applicants seek partnerships with other organisations, such as universities, NGOs and companies, to strengthen their proposals.

Conclusion

O CCAC Food and Nutrition Challenge 2025 represents a unique opportunity for Cape Verde to tackle the challenges of food security, nutrition and climate change in an integrated and sustainable way. By supporting innovative projects that reduce SLCP emissions and promote more sustainable agricultural and food practices, this challenge can contribute to a more resilient and prosperous future for the archipelago. We encourage all organisations and individuals with innovative ideas to submit their proposals and be part of this important initiative.

Submit your proposal for the CCAC Food and Nutrition Challenge 2025! Find out more and apply here.

Deadline: 6-8-2025

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