The population of Guinea-Bissau is estimated at around 2 million in 2022. Guinea-Bissau appears to be among the 20 least developed countries in the world, ranking 177^thon the Human Development Index. Poverty is estimated at 65% by the African Development Bank (2020-21 data) and over 21% of the population lives below the poverty line with less than 2.15 USD a day according to the World Bank (2018 data).

The country’s fragile economy depends mainly on agriculture and fishing, which respectively represent two-thirds and one-seventh of exports. The Country’s climate and soil make it feasible to grow a wide range of cash crops, fruit, vegetables, and tubers; however, cashew nuts generate more than 80% of export receipts and are the main source of income for many rural communities. The intensive monoculture of cashew trees endangers the Country’s food security. The production of rice is neglected and only covers a quarter of the needs of the population even though it is the main food.