The Roças of São Tome

What is a Roça ?

In São Tomé and Príncipe, a "Roça" is a term that refers to a plantation estate, particularly those established during the colonial era when the Portuguese ruled the islands. The concept is similar to that of plantations or haciendas in other parts of the world. Historically, these roças were the centers of agricultural production, with vast areas dedicated primarily to the cultivation of cash crops such as sugar, cocoa, and coffee.

These estates played a pivotal role in São Tomé and Príncipe's economy and social structure. Large numbers of laborers, often working in arduous conditions, would live and work on the Roças, which were almost self-sufficient communities with their own hospitals, schools, and shops. The structure of a Roça would typically include the main house (Casa Grande) where the plantation owner or the administrator lived, workers' quarters (senzalas), and various agricultural and processing facilities.

After the country gained independence in 1975, many of these plantations were nationalized, and over time, some fell into disrepair due to economic challenges and changes in the global market. However, many of the Roças have survived and even preserved their colonial architecture to varying degrees. Some have been repurposed into lodgings, museums, and cultural centers that tell the story of the islands' colonial past and contemporary agricultural practices.

When visitors visit a Roça, they are stepping into a part of São Tomé's history and can learn about the past agricultural practices, see the colonial-era buildings, and understand the challenging history, including the legacies of slavery and colonialism. It is also an opportunity to appreciate the ongoing role of these estates in the economy of São Tomé and Príncipe, especially those that continue to produce coffee and cocoa. Visiting a Roça, therefore, is not only a journey to a serene and pastoral landscape, but also an educational and reflective experience that reveals much about the islands' past and present.

Roca Larangeiros in Sao Tome

The ROÇAS

What does the word Roça mean? = Sowing in the bush or sowing on a patch of land where the bush has been cleared. The word is synonymous with land with extensive plantations