Discovering Neverland: São Tomé and Príncipe and the development of the agricultural heritage of a multi-ethnic population

The history of São Tomé and Príncipe (STP) shows that the development of the roças, plantations established in colonial times, form a heritage linked to the human development of STP. Various agricultural products have characterized the historical periods of migration, slavery, creolization, and gender emancipation up to the present day; agricultural products and the history of creolization make STP unique, while the relationship between culture and nature provides a useful tool for a better understanding of its historical roots. The essay argues that STP's sustainable development could be fostered by valorizing its historical agricultural heritage. Agri-food geographical indications (GIs), which directly link territories, peoples, and traditions could also serve this purpose. GIs could lead to raising the export price of STP's cocoa, coffee, and pepper, at the same time increasing cultivation of a number of other crops, especially indigenous fruits, which are usually planted in combination. These systems have proven to lead to better prices for products and increase the specialist labour market; they could also foster a multi-faceted approach to territorial development, including eco-tourism. However, challenges remain, as the country is still lacking in proper infrastructures, skilled labour, management, and institutional support. The question will be whether STP's fragile agri-food setting is able to support these new mechanisms, which require strong value chains, respect for territorial biodiversity, and a fresh look at the role played by small farmers running AgriSMEs.