Isabel, a symbol of João Varela women’s resilience

 João Varela, Cabo Verde - For those arriving today in João Varela, in the municipality of Ribeira Grande de Santiago, it is difficult to imagine that the green vegetable plots were once arid, rocky and hopeless ground. But Isabel Rodrigues, 65, remembers the story well. She is the living memory of a transformation that began not with rain, but with sweat. 

“We were one of the first poor families to fight for this space”, recalls Isabel. “We spent years preparing the land, clearing it of stones and battling drought. Many people didn't believe in us, but we succeeded.” 

The alliance of 11 guardians 

Isabel is not alone. She is part of a group of 11 women and mothers who are heads of households who decided that domestic isolation would not be their only destiny. She explains that for many years, most of them worked mainly in domestic roles with limited opportunities housework task. Today, they form one of Cabo Verde's rare exclusively female associations, taking on the role of guardians of the community's food security. 

By joining forces, they have become the main suppliers of fresh produce to the Cabo Verdean Foundation for School Social Action (FICASE), ensuring that the food on the tables of local schools comes directly from their plots. “We work together, helping each other to ensure the delivery of our products to our main customers: the children”, she explains. 

A rigorous routine: from 5 a.m. to sunset 

The day begins at 5 a.m. with household chores and looking after the animals. At 7 a.m., they head to the fields to prepare the day's produce for sale. In the afternoon, they prepare the soil with manure and plant new crops. 

This dedication creates a cycle of generosity: “This is where we get our food, and we help our neighbours whenever we can. We support those in need because one day we, too, needed help.”

Strength and equality in the fields 

Agriculture in João Varela is also a manifesto of equality. For these women, the land does not distinguish between genders, only effort. “We feel that we are very strong. We respect men in their work, but we, the 11 here in the Association, are very strong in agriculture and we like what we do to ensure the livelihood of our families”, she says proudly. 

The message from Isabel and her group to other women is clear: “We want all women in agriculture to be as strong as we are. To fight for what they believe in. We have the same rights as men and we fight equally for the good of our families.” 

The success of the João Varela Women farmers' association is the result of a positive strategy. Through a rotating planting schedule on 2 000 m² plots, they ensure uninterrupted harvests and high-quality agroecological products, produced through agroecological practices without synthetic chemicals inputs. 

With each harvest, Isabel and her colleagues reap not only vegetables, but also dignity, proving that when women join hands, they have the power to feed the future of an entire generation. 

Through the Emergency Support to Producers' Associations project, FAO supported the João Varela Women farmers' association in modernizing its logistics by providing packaging, boxes for transport and storage of fresh produce. This partnership ensures that local products reach school canteens and markets in good condition. The result is a stronger value chain: greater adaptation to the challenges, increased income for women farmers and healthier food for children in the region.