B.D.: How did you hear about this course being held in Israel?
Lindorfo Marques Ortet (agronomist, coordinator of agricultural projects for the Municipality of S. Domingos): It is already a tradition in Cape Verde. For some years now, every year, there is a group coming from our country to Israel to participate in the irrigation course. Our Ministry of Agriculture calls for applications and then people interested in participating -from all the islands -apply directly to Israel. There is a pre-selection, though, in Cape Verde through CINADCO by way of the Israeli Embassy in Senegal (which is in charge of Cape Verde affairs too).
B.D.: What motivated you to choose particularly Israel, since there are many other international training opportunities?
Eneida Maria Rodrigues Silva (agronomist, coordinator of a special program of food security): Israel is a semi-arid country similar to Cape Verde, with little water availability. Its micro-irrigation methods are very advanced, and we want the same development for Cape Verde.
B.D.: Could you be more specific?
Eneida Maria Rodrigues Silva: Micro-irrigation deals with the lack of water and also its quality -salt content for instance -and the crops.
B.D.: Are there any specific cultures?
Eneida Maria Rodrigues Silva: We mean mainly horticultural in its general sense and also root and tuber crops, namely sweet potatoes, manioc and, of course, Irish potatoes.
B.D.: I remember that the Cape Verde sweet potato was very famous, why?
Eneida Maria Rodrigues Silva: Because of its sweetness...
B.D.: Did the political turmoil that Israel is experiencing at the present time make you consider canceling your trip?
Francisca Marcelina Duarte Fortes (agronomist and representative of the Ministry of Agriculture on the Island of Boa Vista): Only our families showed some apprehension, especially after what they saw on the TV. We were aware that in case of real danger, we would be warned by the Israeli side.
B.D.: Yet, the reality being as it is, did not worry you?
Eneida Maria Rodrigues Silva: Not at all! We were reassured by our colleagues who were here before.
B.D.: Would you say that the agro-ecological conditions in your country are comparable to the Israeli ones?
Lindorfo Marques Ortet: Yes. Particularly the climate, the lack of water and the type of crops, vegetable and fruit, and not less important the fixation of dunes and forestation.
B.D.: And what are the main differences?
Lindorfo Marques Ortet: First of all the technology; with us, irrigation is still done in the traditional way and also the management which is mostly family-traditional.
Francisca Marcelina Duarte Fortes: Also the fact that in Israel it is mechanized and in Cape Verde is manual which, of course, makes the yield per hectare a lot different. The profitability is, nowadays, very important, and that is one of the reasons that brought us here. Take for instance the human resource-capital ratio. Also, in the work proper, in Cape Verde, you see 4 to 5 people working per hectare and in Israel the relation is less than 1 per hectare.
B.D.: Do you think the course you are studying in Shefayim meets your expectations on the professional point of view?
Eneida Maria Rodrigues Silva: Yes, it gives us an idea of the possibilities, although, due to the lack of time, we did not delve deeply enough into practical areas. Apart from that, the organization is excellent.
Lindorfo Marques Ortet: And also, the fact that it gives us the opportunity of knowing Israel.
B.D.: From the other aspects linked to your stay, such as knowing the people, the land, its institutions, what struck you the most?
Francisca Marcelina Duarte Fortes: To start with, the hospitality.
Antonio Fernando Miranda Fortes (agronomist in the Ministry of Agriculture): The people are very polite, particularly if you compare to Europe. You know how to welcome people.
B.D.: What would you expect after your return to your normal duties at home? To what extent, if any, will the course change your working habits?
Lindorfo Marques Ortet: We keep our connection with the Ministry of Agriculture. In my work at the municipality of S. Domingos, we deal with people in the area of micro-credit for the specific purpose of installing drip irrigation.
Eneida Maria Rodrigues Silva: We also work together with the Ministry of Agriculture, in the program of the food security and in production output, water management and micro-irrigation.
Francisca Marcelina Duarte Fortes: We also work with the Ministry of Agriculture, too. On the island of Boa Vista, we are now introducing micro-irrigation and, as such, what we are learning here is going to serve us, and very well for that matter.
Antonio Fernando Miranda Fortes: We are improving the knowledge we already have and, consequently, will engage in the organization of similar courses according to the needs of the local farmers. That is, not only we gain new knowledge, we will also be able to transfer it to others.
B.D.: Are there any improvements that you would like to suggest, both in what concerns the present organization and regarding the contents of the course, having in mind future delegations coming from Cape Verde?
Lindorfo Marques Ortet: Essentially the irrigation field, and especially in what concerns the practical side of it.
B.D.: One last question which, in Israel, we almost always ask our visitors about, but that in your specific case is, we believe, very relevant - Is there a Jewish connection to the nation of Cape Verde?
Francisca Marcelina Duarte Fortes: You find many Jewish family names among us, such as Levy, Cohen, Ben-Shimol, Benoliel and others. Apart from that, there are many old Jewish cemeteries being restored and preserved now by associations of friends and descendants of those ancient families. And most important: It is an important part of our history.