ZSIC claims K122 million paid to 100,000 farmers hit by climate shocks

The Zambia State Insurance Corporation (ZSIC) has reportedly facilitated insurance payouts amounting to over K122 million to 100,000 Food Security Pack (FSP) farmers whose crops failed due to severe climate-related shocks.

According to Ministry of Community Development and Social Services Permanent Secretary, Beatrice Chilomo, a total of 140,000 FSP beneficiary households have already been insured under the 2025/2026 farming season.

Speaking during the insurance payout ceremony held in Mumbwa District on Wednesday, Chilomo said the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 farming seasons were marked by extreme weather conditions that significantly reduced crop yields across the country, including in Mumbwa.

Chilomo noted in a statement that climate change continues to pose major challenges to smallholder farmers, particularly those dependent on rain-fed agriculture.

She said droughts, floods, and unpredictable rainfall patterns have increasingly undermined agricultural production and livelihoods, with FSP beneficiaries among the most affected.

“The Ministry’s partnership with ZSIC General Insurance to introduce insurance coverage for FSP beneficiary households marks a major milestone in strengthening agricultural resilience and enhancing food security for the most vulnerable communities,” Chilomo said.

She added that through the years, the FSP had supported thousands of households with farming inputs, livestock, and agricultural skills, noting that 244,000 households received support under the programme during the 2022/2023 farming season.

Chilomo further revealed that the Ministry plans to support 325,000 households under the various components of the FSP — including rain-fed, wetland, and alternative livelihood interventions — during the 2026/2027 farming season.

Meanwhile, ZSIC Managing Director, Trevor Jengajenga, said the insurance payout represented a collective effort to build resilience and strengthen national food security through farmer empowerment.

“What we are witnessing is more than a cheque; it is a demonstration of commitment, partnership, and progress. It is proof that with the right support systems in place, our small-scale farmers can thrive even in the face of adversity,” Jengajenga said.

He commended the Ministry for its continued efforts in championing farmers’ welfare and rural development.

At the same event, Mumbwa District Commissioner, Namukolo Hayumbu, described the insurance payout as a significant step toward addressing challenges faced by farmers due to climate shocks.

“There is need to consider scaling up the number of FSP beneficiaries in Mumbwa District, whose population currently stands at over 500,000 and continues to grow rapidly,” Hayumbu said.

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