100,000 Small-Scale Farmers Get Insurance Relief After Devastating Crop Losses

Government, through the Zambia State Insurance Corporation (ZSIC), has disbursed insurance payouts to 100,000 Food Security Pack (FSP) beneficiary farmers whose crops failed due to severe climate-induced shocks recorded during the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 farming seasons.

Large parts of the country, including Mumbwa District, experienced prolonged droughts, floods and erratic rainfall patterns that significantly reduced crop yields and undermined food security for smallholder farmers.

According to the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, more than K122 million worth of insurance coverage was extended to affected households. Under the 2025/2026 farming season, 140,000 FSP beneficiary households have already been insured, marking a continued expansion of the programme.

Speaking during the payout ceremony in Mumbwa, Permanent Secretary Ms Beatrice Chilomo acknowledged that climate change remains a major threat to small-scale agriculture, particularly for families who depend on rain-fed farming.

“Climate change continues to threaten agricultural production and the livelihoods of our people,” she said. “The partnership between the Ministry and ZSIC to insure FSP beneficiary households is a significant milestone in strengthening resilience and ensuring food security among vulnerable communities.”

Ms Chilomo noted that in the 2022/2023 farming season alone, 244,000 households received inputs and support through the FSP. She added that the Ministry aims to support 325,000 households during the 2026/2027 farming season across rain-fed, wetland and alternative livelihood interventions.

ZSIC Managing Director, Mr Trevor Jengajenga, said the payouts demonstrate the effectiveness of insurance as a safety net for small-scale farmers.

“What we are witnessing is more than a cheque; it is a demonstration of commitment, partnership and progress. With the right support systems in place, our small-scale farmers can thrive even in the face of adversity,” he said, thanking the Ministry for its commitment to farmer welfare and rural development.

Mumbwa District Commissioner, Ms Namukolo Hayumbu, welcomed the intervention, describing it as a timely measure to address the setbacks experienced by farmers. She further called for an increase in the number of beneficiaries in Mumbwa District, which has a population of more than 500,000 people.

Government, through the Zambia State Insurance Corporation (ZSIC), has disbursed insurance payouts to 100,000 Food Security Pack (FSP) beneficiary farmers whose crops failed due to severe climate-induced shocks recorded during the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 farming seasons.

Large parts of the country, including Mumbwa District, experienced prolonged droughts, floods and erratic rainfall patterns that significantly reduced crop yields and undermined food security for smallholder farmers.

According to the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, more than K122 million worth of insurance coverage was extended to affected households. Under the 2025/2026 farming season, 140,000 FSP beneficiary households have already been insured, marking a continued expansion of the programme.

Speaking during the payout ceremony in Mumbwa, Permanent Secretary Ms Beatrice Chilomo acknowledged that climate change remains a major threat to small-scale agriculture, particularly for families who depend on rain-fed farming.

“Climate change continues to threaten agricultural production and the livelihoods of our people,” she said. “The partnership between the Ministry and ZSIC to insure FSP beneficiary households is a significant milestone in strengthening resilience and ensuring food security among vulnerable communities.”

Ms Chilomo noted that in the 2022/2023 farming season alone, 244,000 households received inputs and support through the FSP. She added that the Ministry aims to support 325,000 households during the 2026/2027 farming season across rain-fed, wetland and alternative livelihood interventions.

ZSIC Managing Director, Mr Trevor Jengajenga, said the payouts demonstrate the effectiveness of insurance as a safety net for small-scale farmers.

“What we are witnessing is more than a cheque; it is a demonstration of commitment, partnership and progress. With the right support systems in place, our small-scale farmers can thrive even in the face of adversity,” he said, thanking the Ministry for its commitment to farmer welfare and rural development.

Mumbwa District Commissioner, Ms Namukolo Hayumbu, welcomed the intervention, describing it as a timely measure to address the setbacks experienced by farmers. She further called for an increase in the number of beneficiaries in Mumbwa District, which has a population of more than 500,000 people.