IFAD Signs €4.6M Grant to Support Sustainable Food Systems in São Tomé and Príncipe

Speaking on the sidelines of IFAD’s 49th Governing Council in Rome, IFAD Vice-President Gérardine Mukeshimana highlighted the project’s long-term significance.

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Government of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe have signed a EUR 4.6 million grant agreement to finance a major new initiative aimed at accelerating the country’s transition toward more productive, sustainable and climate-resilient food systems.

The funding will support the Transition Towards Sustainable and Nutritious Food Systems (SIAS) project, a six-year programme designed to strengthen rural livelihoods, improve nutrition, and boost resilience against climate shocks.

A €15 Million Investment in Rural Transformation

The SIAS project represents a total investment of more than EUR 15 million, co-financed by the Adaptation Fund and the Global Environment Facility, with additional contributions from the Government of São Tomé and Príncipe and participating rural households.

Speaking on the sidelines of IFAD’s 49th Governing Council in Rome, IFAD Vice-President Gérardine Mukeshimana highlighted the project’s long-term significance.

“This agreement underscores IFAD’s unwavering commitment to invest with São Tomé and Príncipe to drive lasting rural transformation,” Mukeshimana said.

“By investing together, we can deliver tangible gains for farming communities—unlocking economic opportunities and strengthening the country’s ability to thrive in the face of climate challenges.”

Reaching 22,000 People Across 69 Communities

Over the next six years, SIAS aims to reach 5,500 rural households — around 22,000 people — across 69 communities on São Tomé Island and in the Autonomous Region of Príncipe.

The project will strengthen climate-resilient agriculture through a comprehensive package of interventions, including:

• Rehabilitation of irrigation systems

• Restoration of degraded soils and landscapes

• Expansion of agroforestry across 550 hectares

• Improved performance and organization of producer groups

These investments will help farmers increase productivity while protecting natural ecosystems and adapting to climate-related risks.

Promoting Nutrition and Healthier Diets

Beyond agricultural production, SIAS will also focus strongly on nutrition outcomes. The project will promote healthier diets through targeted nutrition education and improved access to diversified and nutritious foods, helping rural families combat food insecurity and malnutrition.

Empowering Youth and Women in the Rural Economy

A central pillar of the project is inclusive rural development.

Nearly 1,300 young people will benefit from dedicated skills development, technical training, and entrepreneurship incubation, improving their employment prospects and helping drive innovation in the rural economy.

Women will receive targeted support through:

• Leadership and capacity-building programmes

• Improved access to productive resources

• Tailored nutrition initiatives for women and families

Decades of IFAD Support in São Tomé and Príncipe

IFAD has been a long-standing partner in the country’s rural development efforts. Since 1985, the Fund has financed eight rural development projects and programmes, with a total cost exceeding US$86 million, including more than US$41 million directly invested by IFAD.

These initiatives have already benefited nearly 35,000 rural households, laying a strong foundation for SIAS to build upon.

Building Resilient Food Systems for the Future

The SIAS project marks a significant step in São Tomé and Príncipe’s efforts to modernize agriculture, strengthen food security, and build resilience against climate change while ensuring that vulnerable rural communities—especially youth and women—are at the heart of national development.