By Joseph Momoh, Reporter
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has announced the launch of Sierra Leone’s first-ever weather-based insurance scheme aimed at supporting farmers affected by climate-related disasters. This initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF).
Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, highlighted the importance of this scheme during a recent interview, emphasizing its role in protecting farmers’ livelihoods amid increasing climate uncertainty. “This year, we are going to launch the first-ever weather-based insurance scheme for farmers,” Dr. Kpaka stated. “This scheme is designed to ensure that they can replenish their farms after a disaster.”
The insurance program will provide financial assistance to farmers impacted by severe weather events such as storms and droughts. By linking payments to weather indices, the scheme aims to deliver faster and more effective support, eliminating the need for lengthy loss assessments. Additionally, the Ministry is establishing a stock system to ensure a steady supply of seeds throughout the farming season. “As a ministry, we are planning to provide 10 to 15 percent of seed and fertilizer in case of any repeat of last year’s incidents,” Dr. Kpaka explained. “This support will help farmers replace what they lost.”
The implementation of these programs marks a significant step toward enhancing food security and reducing the agriculture sector’s vulnerability to climate hazards. These proactive initiatives are part of the government’s strategy to strengthen and sustain rural farming communities across the country. The weather-based insurance program and seed stock system are expected to benefit thousands of small-scale farmers nationwide.
As climate change continues to threaten agricultural productivity, the Ministry is committed to fostering a promising and sustainable farming system.
For more information, contact Daily Scope Newspaper at dailyscopemedia@gmail.com.
