Chã das Caldeiras
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Chã das Caldeiras is a small village of approximately 500 inhabitants, situated at the base of Pico do Fogo volcano on the island of Fogo, in the West African archipelago of Cape Verde.
The village economy is based primarily on specialty agriculture: its high altitude guarantees milder temperatures and greater precipation than the surrounding country, allowing the residents to cultivate apples, figs, grapes and oranges on the slopes of the volcano. While very few of these products are produced in volumes large enough to justify overseas export, the produce constitutes a major component in Cape Verde's internal commerce.
The village also produces Queijo do Fogo, Vinho do Fogo, and coffee, all of which take a uniquely tart flavor from the dry climate and rich soil, and are sought by Cape Verdean emigrant communities abroad.
While the village is technically part of the concelho of São Filipe, logistical difficulties make it functionally independent from most outside governance. The main organizing body in the village, apart from traditional social structures, is OAFA, the agricultural cooperative, which holds considerable sway over the village economy.
The population of Chã das Caldeiras must be periodically evacuated during volcanic eruptions.
