Sea water
In case of Cape Verde, the following results were considered:
• Areas mainly in Santiago and São Vicente were identified as having suitable soils for seawater production.
• The hydro-geological model showed that abstracting seawater for biosaline agriculture is most likely technically viable.
• No major negative impacts are foreseen, over a 30 year period, when compared to the continuing of the present practices, both to the upstream users (link to photo model), and on the project area itself.
• Seawater fodder seems to fit very well into the needs of the local farming population.
• From an economic point of view, seawater fodder can add considerably to the fodder volumes presently produced in Cape Verde (assuming that investments in infrastructure will be subsidized and that government-supported institutes will provide professional technical advisors). Biosaline fodder can be competitive with other fodders and concentrated feed, even if with a market price of €190/ton.
• Seawater-based agriculture will provide job opportunities for a significant number of local people, improving the livelihood of their families and building their capacities and skills.
• The potential environmental benefits are considerable: putting a stop to soil and landscape degradation, increase biodiversity, safe fresh water, increase soil fertility and organic matter, acting as a carbon sink.
• Seawater fodder production can be designed in such a way that potentially negative environmental impacts are minimized.
• The successful implementation of the project depends largely on proper management and monitoring. The creation of a structured organization and a methodology for capacity building are crucial.
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