Presentation
The Monte Forte plantation was created in the 19th century by the Portuguese and was dedicated to the cultivation of cocoa, coffee and palm oil for export, and sugar cane and brandy for the local market.
In 1987, the government decided to privatize some plantations for national citizens, and the Monte Forte plantation was granted to Mr. Jerónimo Mota on July 12, 1988. Today, his son Carlos is the manager.
Cocoa plantation
The Monte Forte roça (“roça”is the Portuguese name for plantations in São Tomé, to be pronounced “raw-sah”) is also the headquarters of the biological cocoa cooperative CECAB and participates in the production of local cocoa. Today the cooperative harvests cocoa from 90 hectares of plantation, for a dry grain production of about 10 tons per year. All are purchased annually by the company Kaokak.
The cooperative has all the facilities for the processing of cocoa beans: fermentation, drying (with solar dryer), and packaging.
Rural tourism
The Monte Forte plantation started rural tourism activities in 2004 in order to achieve economic sustainability, due to the fact that the cocoa cultivation does not provide enough income.
The farm has livestock, raising cattle, pigs and sheep so you can organize a barbecue at any time.