Porto Novo faces labor shortage in agriculture and construction

Agricultural associations in the Porto Novo municipality on the island of Santo Antão are reporting a significant labor shortage caused by the exodus of young people. According to local producers, youth are leaving rural areas like Ribeira das Patas, Alto Mira, Ribeira da Cruz, and Tarrafal de Monte Trigo to seek better opportunities in other islands, such as Boa Vista and Sal, or abroad.

In Alto Mira, the local farmers' association identified the scarcity of workers as the "principal challenge" facing the agricultural sector. Similarly, in Ribeira da Cruz, producers noted that young people are migrating for studies, military service, or emigration. In Tarrafal de Monte Trigo, the shortage is particularly felt during the sugarcane harvest.

Beyond agriculture, Porto Novo's mayor, Elisa Pinheiro, stated that the lack of manpower is also hindering the construction and tourism sectors, noting that several projects are currently stalled due to the shortage of workers.