Why did drought and famine lead many Cabo Verdeans to emigrate in the 1800s?

During the 1800s, Cabo Verde experienced severe economic hardship driven by recurrent drought and famine, which were exacerbated by government corruption and maladministration. As the islands' prosperity waned—partly due to the decline of the slave trade—the local population faced extreme poverty and the constant threat of starvation.12

With little relief or improvement available at home, emigration became a common survival strategy for the poorest Cabo Verdeans. Many traveled south to work as agricultural laborers on banana and cocoa plantations in Sao Tome and Principe, while others sought employment on whaling ships.12