Tanzania launches first mobile crop insurance scheme

Posted on :Friday , 7th October 2016

Four institutions drawn from telecommunication, seed, insurance and risk assessment have come together to unveil the first mobile crop insurance in Tanzania, at a time when changes in weather has taken a toll on farmers yields and income.

Dubbed Linda Mbegu, Swahili for protect your seeds, the cover is the brainchild of Airtel Tanzania, Agriculture and Climate Risk Enterprise Ltd (Acre) Africa, Seed Co Tanzania and UAP Insurance Tanzania. The insurance will enable farmers across the country to insure their seeds, a vital step towards lifting agriculture that employs a large part of the workforce.

Data shows that the majority of farmers rarely invest in quality seeds because of different reasons such as awareness and prospects of their yields.

Speaking during the launch of project, Seed Co managing director Clive Mugadza said the programme will hedge small-scale farmers against the consequences of poor rains.

"For smallholder farmers in Tanzania one bad season sets off a string of negative consequences, being it inadequate and poorly distributed rainfall that leads to fall in crop production. These uncertainties impact the farmers' willingness to invest in improved inputs. The Linda Mbegu product will ensure that in the event of rainfall failure, the farmer would get the equivalent of the number of bags of seed they purchased replaced at the local agro dealer."

Expogroup

Expogroup is a full service exhibition organiser with over 28 years experience in International trade exhibitions. Our current portfolio includes 28 annual exhibitions from a diverse range of industries being held across the Middle East & Africa.

Facebook

EXPOGROUP