Post a comment
Through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Sierra Leone has launched its first-ever Weather Index Insurance (WII) scheme to support farmers affected by climate change.
The WII scheme is a collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Activa International Insurance, the Sierra Leone Insurance Commission (SLICOM), and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), with funding from the European Union.
The initiative aims to protect smallholder farmers from climate-related risks, such as floods and droughts, by using satellite technology to monitor specific weather conditions. When these conditions meet predefined thresholds, insurance payouts are triggered automatically, offering a faster and more efficient safety net for farmers.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka praised the collaboration that led to the development of the product. “When the floods struck last year, I felt the pain of my farmers,” he said. “I reassured them that insurance support was coming and today, I am proud to say we’ve delivered on that promise.”
Dr. Kpaka said the insurance would enable farmers to invest more confidently in inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and modern farming techniques, helping to build resilience and boost agricultural productivity.
“This initiative is not just about insurance it’s about building trust and security in the agriculture sector. It also aligns with the President’s Feed Salone Agenda, which focuses on increasing food production and ensuring national food security,” he added.
Festus Awuah, Chief Executive Officer of Activa International Insurance, described the insurance as transparent, technology-driven, and accessible. He explained that the premium has been set at 8% of the insured value, keeping it affordable for small-scale farmers. The policy will cover the main cropping season beginning on 1 June each year.
“This product will ensure automatic payouts whenever extreme weather conditions such as drought or excessive rainfall are recorded. It’s a simple, efficient system designed to minimize delays and allow farmers to recover quickly,” Mr Awuah said.
The insurance will be distributed through farmer cooperatives, NGOs, microfinance institutions, and other agricultural organizations to ensure broad access across farming communities.
The scheme will be piloted in 3 districts, focusing on rice and maize value chains in the first circle. It also aligns with global efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation. Organizers hope it will encourage greater investment in the agricultural sector and help build a more robust
The launch was held at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, in a ceremony attended by key government officials, insurance providers, and development partners.
