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Elton Manguwo

AS efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change on agriculture intensify, private sector players have launched the national agriculture insurance education project to equip farmers with skills in managing risky farming situations.

Addressing delegates during the launch of the project in Harare on Thursday, Insurance Council of Zimbabwe (ICZ) chief executive officer Mr Donald Muthe said a dedicated education project focused on agricultural insurance was important to equip farmers with the knowledge they need to comprehend de-risking farming.

“This initiative can provide information on the various types of insurance available and help farmers understand how these products can safeguard their operations against potential losses,” said Mr Muthe.

Through workshops, seminars and online resources, the programme is expected to reach a diverse audience ensuring that farmers from different regions and backgrounds can access valuable information.

“In essence, this national agriculture insurance education project is not merely a response to current challenges. It is a proactive measure aimed at building a more resilient agricultural sector,” said Mr Muthe.

The majority of farmers are smallholders and represent one of the most vulnerable groups when it comes to risks associated with climate change.

This group of farmers often has limited resources and access to technology, making it difficult for them to adapt to the rapidly changing environmental conditions.

“Their limited financial capacity means that they may struggle to recover from crop failures or livestock losses, which can have devastating effects not only on their livelihoods but also on their families and communities,” said Mr Muthe.

Many farmers, particularly those in vulnerable communities are unaware of the various insurance options that can protect them against climate-related risks and other uncertainties.

“The unavailability of this vital information for farmers’ use has prompted the development of this education project, which we hope will upscale insurance uptake for smallholder farmers,” said Mr Muthe.

Climate change increasingly threatens food security and rural economies, making it essential to develop comprehensive insurance programmes that are specifically tailored to the needs of farmers.

Chief director in the Department of Business Development Market and Trade in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Mr Clemence Bwenje underscored the need for adopting the agriculture-index insurance.

“This type of insurance can provide a safety net for farmers, enabling them to mitigate the financial impacts of extreme weather events, fluctuating crop yields and other climate-related challenges,” said Mr Bwenje.

Investing in the resilience of smallholder farmers not only supports their well-being but strengthens local food systems and contributes to broader economic stability.

“We can empower farmers to face the uncertainties of climate change with greater confidence and resilience, ultimately fostering a more sustainable agricultural landscape,” said Mr Bwenje.