Absurdly expensive food imports

It seems that a significant amount of food in Cape Verde is imported from Europe and Brazil. When compared to the average wage, these food items seem to be out of reach for many locals beyond occasional consumption. I understand that the rather arid climate on the islands makes food production difficult, but why is there such reliance on long distance trade routes? Is this merely a continued through line from colonialism? Or is there something else that prevents Cape Verde from establishing trade deals with nearby West African countries like Guinea? Arable land, decent crop yields and livestock output within a fraction of the distance. Trading with such nations would most certainly lower the cost of food in Cape Verde.