The Angolan province of Namibe has formalized a partnership with the Portuguese municipality of Montemor-o-Novo to combat drought and desertification. The partnership aims to find strategies to address the scarcity of water resources in the region, which affects the lives of people dependent on agriculture and livestock. The initiative is part of the "Local Resilience and Combat against Drought and Desertification in Namibe Province" seminar.
The seminar, financed by the European Union under the EU-Angola Dialogue program, was organized by the Namibe Provincial Government and the Montemor-o-Novo Chamber. It aims to present initiatives to combat drought in the Angolan province and to formalize the cooperation between local authorities in Portugal and Angola. The event features presentations on experiences from Portugal and Brazil, including the "Semear em Montemor" strategy and "Cadernetas Agro-ecológicas" methodology.
The partnership between Namibe and Montemor-o-Novo is based on a cycle of work that includes a study on drought and desertification, as well as two exchange missions. In March 2026, a delegation from Montemor-o-Novo visited Namibe, and in May 2026, a technical mission from the Namibe Provincial Government visited Portugal. The seminar provides a platform for sharing experiences and finding sustainable solutions to the challenges faced by the Namibe province.
The Namibe province faces significant challenges due to its arid and semi-arid climate, which affects agriculture and livestock. The province is working to implement the National Plan to Combat Desertification, with the Minister of Environment set to discuss the role of municipalities in the plan's implementation. The partnership with Montemor-o-Novo aims to strengthen the capacity of local authorities to adapt to climate and environmental challenges.
The seminar features presentations from experts, including Professor Pedro Joaquim Tchivela, who will discuss a project to implant a forest belt to combat desertification in the Praia Amélia area. The event also highlights the experience of the Escola de Regentes Agrícolas do Tchivinguiro, a historic agricultural school in Angola that has been providing education and training in agriculture and veterinary sciences since 1938.
The Escola de Regentes Agrícolas do Tchivinguiro has evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of the country, becoming an Institute of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences in 1980. The institution has played a significant role in training professionals in agriculture, fisheries, and food industry, contributing to Angola's economic development. The school's legacy extends beyond its walls, with generations of qualified professionals trained to face challenges in sustainable agriculture, responsible fishing, and modern food industry.
The partnership between Namibe and Montemor-o-Novo is a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by the Namibe province. The seminar and the partnership demonstrate the commitment of the Angolan government and international partners to finding sustainable solutions to combat drought and desertification. The experience and knowledge shared during the seminar will contribute to the development of effective strategies to promote resilience and sustainable development in the region.
Key points
- The partnership aims to strengthen the capacity of local authorities to adapt to climate and environmental challenges.
- The seminar features presentations from experts on experiences from Portugal and Brazil.
- The Escola de Regentes Agrícolas do Tchivinguiro has played a significant role in training professionals in agriculture, fisheries, and food industry.
