Yohannes Negash faced a devastating loss when half of his wheat harvest was destroyed by a crop disease known locally as wag. This setback made him question whether he would have the courage to plant again.
Despite this challenge, Negash comes from a long line of farmers and takes pride in his farming heritage. For many Ethiopians, farming is not just a job but a fundamental part of their identity that has been passed down through generations. However, farming in Ethiopia is fraught with risks due to climate uncertainties, conflict, and fluctuating market prices.
In the Amhara region where Negash resides, farmers often struggle to invest in better agricultural practices due to these risks, leaving them susceptible to climate extremes and food insecurity. To address this, an innovative crop insurance scheme supported by the World Food Programme (WFP), the Ethiopian government, and Pula Advisors has been implemented to provide coverage against various risks such as droughts, excessive rainfall, hailstorms, pests, and crop diseases.
The insurance scheme in the Amhara region, which is the largest of its kind supported by WFP, aims to benefit around 54,000 farmers. In addition to insurance coverage, the initiative focuses on enhancing farming techniques and income opportunities, such as through projects that hire rural workers for land restoration.
For Negash, the insurance payout has been a lifeline amidst multiple challenges like droughts, crop diseases, conflicts, and locust infestations that have devastated his region. By receiving an insurance payout for his crop losses, Negash has recognized the importance of preparing in advance for unforeseen issues that may affect his farm.
With plans to use the insurance payout to expand his farming operations, Negash has also become an advocate for the insurance scheme, encouraging fellow farmers in his village to join. He believes that with the right resources, anything is possible.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).