Which (edible) trees and shrubs to plant in a dry, hot, stony area?

Hurray, our little area Fajã d'Água on Brava, Cabo Verde, has received funding to re-forest! I guess the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment already has some thoughts about the subject, since the project is starting this month (until December). But nevertheless I would like to get some advice on what shrubs and trees should be planted best. Goal is to create a better climate. The situation here on Cabo Verde is harsh, with huge dry periods and just a 'chance of a rainy season' between the end of July and November. Like last year we had only two (!) mild showers of about one hour; that was when tropical strom Irma was born in the waters between African mainland and us. The islands are vulcanic and fruitfull (when we have a little rain), but here on the slopes where our village is situated, oceanlevel, westside, it's merely stony. Thanks for any interesting link, advice, experience.

A belated welcome to you! I am glad your area has received funding.

I can't answer your question, but maybe others can if you let us know your approximate latitude and longitude. Often, climates are similar at opposite hemispheres.

Hello! Congratulations on funding! Check out the Vegan Athlete YouTube channel. I think he has a video talking about everything in his food forest in Arazona, like 200 different trees or perennials. Growing your greens YouTube channel may have also done a video on the guy, and the list of trees is extensive. DIY Gardener YouTube channel, I belive has a play list on that very topic covering the videos just mentioned. The playlist is called something like (growing food in hot dry climates, or food forests for hot dry climates.) Just make sure your USDA hardiness zone is also adequate for each species.

Hope that helps!

your USDA hardiness zone... Interesting new words. I am a permaculture/agriculture baby, so please enlighten me with links. Pretty please.

Joylynn Hardesty wrote:A belated welcome to you! I am glad your area has received funding.

I can't answer your question, but maybe others can if you let us know your approximate latitude and longitude. Often, climates are similar at opposite hemispheres.

Brava, Cabo Verde Coordinates 14°52′N 24°42′W
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brava,_Cape_Verde