Some farmers in Ward 17, Woolendale area in Umguza in Matabeleland North have taken a bold step towards securing their agricultural investments by embracing crop insurance to cushion themselves from the devastating effects of climate shocks.
This came to light on Monday during a field day event hosted by Joel Sibanda (72) and Selina Sibanda (62) at their homestead, whose family walked away with the top prize, a cow, in recognition of their unwavering commitment to paying insurance premiums and demonstrating the benefits of agricultural risk coverage.
The field day, attended by farmers from surrounding wards, featured stakeholders from Agritex, the Ministry of Lands, representatives from the insurance and banking sector.
The event served both as an educational platform and a celebration of farming excellence.
Farmers in the area, which has seen recurring droughts and erratic weather patterns, have started signing up for insurance products that cover a range of risks including drought, floods, pests, fire, and crop diseases.
The initiative aims to shield farmers from total financial ruin when natural disasters strike, while promoting investment in better farming practices.
Addressing small scale farmers, Kennedy Mabehla, a senior underwriter in agriculture and special projects at AFC Commercial Bank (formerly Agribank), explained how the “Farmers Basket” insurance product was developed in collaboration with the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe (ICZ) in response to rising climate-induced losses.
“The drought last year was severe. Rains came late and ended early, leaving many farmers with nothing,” said Mabehla.
“Our product helps you recover from such losses. If your crops don’t germinate due to lack of rainfall or are affected at the flowering or maturity stage, insurance will compensate you. We also consider pest damage and compare expected yields against actual harvests.”
Mabehla added the insurance scheme also covers livestock losses caused by snake bites, calving complications, injuries or accidents.
“For crop insurance, you pay $24 per hectare per season. For livestock, it’s three percent of the animal’s value. If your cow is worth $500, you only pay $15 per year. In the event of loss, the full value is reimbursed,” he said.
Despite enthusiasm, some villagers expressed concern based on Zimbabwe’s past economic instability.
“We lost our savings before,” said one female farmer. “Working in the field is labour-intensive and painful. We join a scheme and then tomorrow the currency changes, and we lose everything. We don’t want that to happen again.”
In response, Nicholas Sayi, Head of the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe (ICZ), said this insurance initiative is part of a broader national strategy to promote financial inclusion and economic resilience among smallholder farmers.
“We’re working to ensure farmers understand how insurance works. Beginning in July, we’ll roll out awareness programmes targeting rural areas to push for accessibility and trust,” said Sayi. “Farmers should use available payment platforms such as EcoCash and bank transfers, making insurance more accessible even in remote areas.”
Sayi stressed the need for a mental transformation in how communities perceive farming.
“Farming is very important for the development of the community, the farmer and the country. This is why we must do it in a way that is beneficial, which is why we are here with this programme. If our production does not go well, with this insurance farmers do not start at zero,” he said, adding that farmers must also adopt innovative agronomic practices.
“You must use proper seed for soil in this area. Do soil analysis as that will tell you how the product will grow. It’s important as farmers do soil analysis before starting farming. We must not use the same methods of farming but adapt to new methods.”
The guest of honour at the field day, Matabeleland North Provincial Agronomist Zenzele Ndlovu, urged farmers to take climate change seriously and adapt.
“Climate is changing and the seasons are becoming unpredictable. In the same way, we must also be willing to adopt lessons. When we tell people about the climate, some say they will leave it to God despite forecasts,” she said, noting climate disasters necessitated insurance.
“Today, we are here to prove that agricultural insurance is real, supported by Agritex, AFC Bank, and ICZ. These are organisations that are traceable in case they disappoint us unlike some people with no traceable backgrounds who come and take your money.”
Ndlovu noted insurance also helps farmers restart after facing trouble and recalled a disturbing incident where she once met one woman who attempted to preserve meat from drought-dead cattle using pesticide, highlighting the desperation caused by livestock losses.
“That’s how painful the impact of drought was. Cattle are our wealth. That’s why it’s crucial to insure them.”
She also advised farmers not to tamper with animal ear tags after registering for insurance, urging honesty and transparency in the process.
“Even after getting insurance, we must continue good practices. For example, after harvesting, avoid over-drying maize. If moisture content drops below 12.5 percent, your yield is reduced, and so is the money from GMB,” Ndlovu warned.
The Field Day also recognised outstanding farmers from various wards for their commitment and farming excellence.
The prize winners included:
1st Prize (Cow): Joel and Selina Sibanda, Ward 17
2nd Prize (Heifer): Michael Banda, Ward 9
3rd Prize (Three Goats): Sinikiwe Dube, Ward 9
4th Prize (Three Goats): Velaphi Mlangeni, Ward 16
5th Prize (Three Goats): Nhlanhla Maphosa, Ward 16
