DATILINE: Kinshasa, DRC – August 3, 2026
Cabo Verde, situated in the central Atlantic Ocean, is addressing a severe drought crisis that has been ongoing since 2017, as reported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
The crisis has been compounded by the underperformance of the 2025 rainy season, characterized by irregular precipitation and below-average rainfall, leading to diminished crop yields and compromised water security.
The Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) has seen substantial contributions from various nations and organizations, including Belgium, Britain, Canada, Germany, and Japan, with the Canadian Government contributing specifically to replenish the DREF for the operation.
Despite these efforts, the Cape Verdean Institute of Meteorology (INMG) forecasts ‘deficient to normal’rainfall levels for the 2026 rainy season, posing a further threat to the archipelago’s water security.
The 2017 drought was one of the most severe in Cabo Verde’s history, necessitating international assistance to address the humanitarian crisis. Since then, the country has been enhancing its resilience against future disasters and climate-related shocks.
The World Bank has been instrumental in supporting these efforts through the Disaster Risk Management Development Policy Financing with Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option (Cat DDO) Project, which has provided immediate liquidity during the pandemic and contributed to a more sustainable development model.
However, Cabo Verde’s vulnerability persists, as indicated by the INMG’s prediction for the 2026 rainy season, which suggests continued challenges for the country’s water security.
The delayed arrival of rains and high temperatures are expected to exacerbate existing water deficits across the islands, impacting the agriculture sector and food security further.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies recognizes the significant contributions from various governments and organizations to the DREF, emphasizing the collaborative international effort to combat the crisis.
Yet, the ongoing drought underscores the necessity for sustained support and investment in climate resilience and disaster risk reduction, including infrastructure, agriculture, and social protection to enhance resilience and reduce vulnerability to future disasters.
As Cabo Verde prepares for another challenging rainy season, the international community’s commitment to supporting the country’s resilience-building efforts is crucial.
The success of these endeavors will not only shape Cabo Verde’s future but also serve as a model for other vulnerable regions facing similar climatic challenges.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
—
This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
