Red Cross strengthens drought prevention in vulnerable communities
The Red Cross in Cape Verde is implementing a protocol to protect livelihoods and prepare communities for drought before crises occur.
The president of the Cape Verde Red Cross, Arlindo Carvalho, emphasized the need for proactive measures against drought to safeguard populations and minimize human and material losses. He stated that intervening before a crisis allows for alleviating suffering and preventing potential loss of life, rather than just reacting to save lives and reduce hardship after the fact.
The protocol includes measures for livelihood protection, community preparedness, and training response teams. Initially, actions will focus on Boa Vista, Porto Novo municipality in Santo Antão, and specific municipalities on Santiago island, identified by a study as areas significantly affected by drought. The International Federation is a partner in this initiative.
Carvalho explained that while the current phase targets specific areas, the possibility of extending the program to other islands remains open. The project is supported by a study that pinpoints the most visible drought-affected regions, guiding the direct intervention efforts in this first phase.
Why it mattersFarmers and rural communities are directly affected by drought prevention measures aimed at protecting their livelihoods and reducing losses.