Agricultural Reform Day in 2025

When is Agricultural Reform Day?

Agricultural Reform Day (Dia da Reforma Agrária) is a public holiday on the island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe observed on September 30th each year. 

Marks the nationalisation of the swiddens (slash-and-burn agricultural land) on this day in 1975.

History of Agricultural Reform Day

At the time of independence from Portugal in 1975, Portuguese-owned plantations occupied 90% of the cultivated area. To make the most of the fertile but mountainous land, swiddens were used. Swidden agriculture is a form of shifting agriculture in which the forest is cleared and burned prior to the rains. The resulting clearing, or swidden, is planted with a number of crops.  

Soil fertility is restored through the natural regeneration of secondary forest. The advantage of the technique is that it is simple; requiring few tools, a machete and a hoe, and no chemical or animal fertilizers. The major investment is labour to clear the land.

During a rally, on September 30th 1975, the nationalisation of the swiddens was announced.

This was a significant milestone in the development of agriculture in the fledgling country. The holiday is an occasion to remember this and to also promote the development of agriculture in the country.