The Government of Zambia, through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, has received a total of One Hundred Eight Million, One Hundred Twenty -Five Thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty-Three Kwacha (K108,125,423.00) as an insurance payout from ZSIC General Insurance Limited.

The payout is intended to assist 63,270 vulnerable but viable farmers under the Food Security Pack (FSP) programme, whose crops did not perform well during the 2023/24 farming season.

According to the harvest season area index claims report as well as the Germination Index Claim discharge, the 2023/24 farming season was severely impacted by a drought exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon, which resulted in reduced rainfall and extreme temperatures.

These harsh conditions led to crop stress due to water scarcity, causing significant crop failure despite farmers’ efforts to plant drought-resistant varieties. Additionally, farmers faced pest infestations, including locusts, armyworms, and termites, which further contributed to the crop losses, even though pesticides were applied.

The payouts, which will be distributed to eligible farmers, range from a high of K2,500 to a low of K400, depending on the extent of the losses experienced.

The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ms. Angela Kawandami, notes that the disbursement will go a long way in ameliorating the loss suffered by the affected farmers during the period under review.

The Ministry, in collaboration with ZSIC General Insurance Limited, is working diligently to ensure that the affected farmers receive their payments in a timely and transparent manner.

This initiative is part of Government’s continued commitment to supporting farmers in the face of climate-related challenges and ensuring the sustainability of the agricultural sector in Zambia.