The choice for Sao Tome and Principe’s archipelago to host the Center was considered ideal due to its strategic historical importance, since 1484, for commercial and agricultural activities between the countries of the African continent, Brazil, and Portugal, and for its biodiversity. Sao Tome and Principe has species not only from Africa but also from Europe and the Americas. In addition, the traditional knowledge related to agriculture and food practiced in the islands, including techniques and uses related to food, is of great value.

Sao Tome and Principe stands out on the African continent for having about 14% of its agricultural area with certified sustainable agricultural production. Its location along the Equator (and close to the west coast of Africa) reinforces its advantage, as the islands have relevant microclimatic specificities. The climate, hot and humid, with average temperatures ranging between 22ºC and 30ºC, is strongly influenced by their geographic situation in the Ecuadorian low-pressure valley, intertropical convergence zone, and warm Gulf Stream. The seasons are defined by rain (from October to May, coinciding with the hottest season) and drought (from June to September). These characteristics favour the implementation of pedagogical practices in socio-environmental contexts very close to the existing ones in most CPLP countries.

There are, however, difficulties to overcome. The reduced number of trainers in these areas, a reduced number of students and the insularity, for exemple. The Center will contribute to the current trajectory of sustainable agricultural development in Sao Tome and Principe by training national staff, mobilising young people, offering network actions, and using new communication technologies. Whether because of its political commitment, heritage, existing institutions, environmental and geo-climatic factors, and the project's impact on communities and the environment, Sao Tome and Principe offers very favourable conditions to host CCAFS