Guinea Bissau is one of the countries which have remained underdeveloped due to internal turmoil arising out of the frequent civil war and unstable political scenario. But now steps are being taken up by the government to attract investment from foreign investors so that the local economy can develop for the betterment of its citizens. They have remained as unprivileged lot for a very long time. The government has set up Guinea Bissau Investment agency to promote investment in its various economic sectors as per the plan charted for growth.
Agriculture is one of the several industries open for foreign investment companies for investment purpose. By and large, agriculture has remained on the lines of old patters adopted since generation. There is ample opportunity for development and transforming the unorganized agriculture sector into a well organized business opportunity.
Development in agriculture sector will open up job opportunities for its local people who are already experienced in farming and other farm related works. Investment in agriculture sector will also lead to setting up of subsidiary industries to complete the whole business chain.
The agricultural land in this country is undeveloped and unused to a large extent. Of the 6.2 million hectares of land, only 25% is being cultivated annually for farm products and only 10% of the total potentially irrigable land is developed. The country has 6,250 km of river network, 1,161 streams and 23 river basins. The rainfall pattern is very well suited for agriculture with 1,200 mm of rain in north and north-east region and 6,000 mm in Fouta Djallan. It focuses on traditional food production such as rice, cassava, corn, yams, bananas, sweet potatoes, fonio, peanuts, mangoes and pineapples.
Financial investment advice Guinea-Bissau has identified agriculture as priority growth sector just like mining. It is moving towards diversification through revival of cotton cultivation and planting of rubber trees and palm groves. The government has adopted a National Agriculture Development Policy (PNDA) to develop a modern, sustainable and productive agricultural sector that is competitive on intra-community and international markets on the basis of its National Agricultural Investment and Food Security Plan (PNIASA).
The private companies will play a dominant role in the development of sectors such as supply chain, production, marketing and agricultural services.