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The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services has reportedly received over K108 million in insurance payouts from ZSIC General Insurance Limited to support 63,270 vulnerable but viable farmers under the Food Security Pack (FSP) programme.
The payout aims to assist farmers whose crops were severely affected during the 2023/24 farming season.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday, eligible farmers would receive compensation ranging from K400 to K2,500, depending on the extent of their losses.
Permanent Secretary, Angela Kawandami, noted that the disbursement would help mitigate the financial strain on affected farmers.
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“The 2023/24 farming season was severely impacted by drought, worsened by the El Niño phenomenon, which led to reduced rainfall and extreme temperatures. These harsh conditions caused water stress, resulting in significant crop failure despite farmers’ efforts to plant drought-resistant varieties,” Kawandami said.
She added that pest infestations—including locusts, armyworms, and termites—further contributed to the losses, despite the application of pesticides.
The Ministry, in collaboration with ZSIC General Insurance Limited, is working to ensure that payments are processed transparently and efficiently.
Kawandami stated that the initiative aligned with the government’s commitment to supporting farmers in the face of climate-related challenges and ensuring the sustainability of Zambia’s agricultural sector.
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