Ribeira Sabina - Monte Joana, is a rural agricultural community in Ribeira Grande Municipality, Santo Antão Island. According to the 2010 census the community is home to a population of about 250 people; 100 women and 150 men, and the main economic activity is agriculture and livestock.
Ribeira Sabina is located between two great mountains in a steep valley. Access to water and ways to contain it during rainy season have demonstrated to be the two main problems farmers? faces.
Although the community is served by several springs which ensure in part water for agriculture, livestock, and for domestic use, most of the water is lost due to lack of mechanisms or infrastructures capable of capturing it; and or causes extensive damage to farm lands (soil erosion).
In order to reverse this situation and to address the problem, the community proposes construction of a 25 m3 dike to retain water, which can be used for agriculture, and contain erosion in Ribeira de Sabina. The proponents also planned to sensitize local farmers in anti-soil erosion best practices, and adapted crop diversification.
Project implementation arrangements have been established with an umbrella NGO, OADISA, and the Delegation of the Ministry of Rural Development which will ensure technical assistance.