Classified as a least developed and low-income, food-deficit country, even in years of good rain Cape Verde's cereal production usually covers less than 20 percent of overall needs. The country has virtually no other significant natural resources, and the economy continues to require substantial amounts of international aid and remittances from emigrants.
Poverty and food insecurity particularly affect children and compromise the relatively high national school enrolment rates.
However, human development indicators are among the highest in the region and the country is expected to graduate from a Least Developed Country (LDC) to a Middle Income Country (MIC) in 2008.
WFP is now part of the joint UN office in Cape Verde. It provides assistance in the form of school meals to primary schools and kindergartens in a US$5.6 million operation which will terminate in July 2010. From October this year, this programme will include a de-worming project in schools.
Overview
