Activa International Insurance Company, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the Sierra Leone Insurance Commission (SLICOM), the European Union, and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), has launched the second edition of its Weather Index Insurance product aimed at strengthening climate resilience and boosting agricultural productivity in Sierra Leone.
The launch, held at Country Lodge Hotel in Freetown under the theme “Climate Resilience Through Scaling Weather Index Insurance for Smallholder Farmers”, brought together government officials, international partners, insurers, and farmer representatives.
Deputy Insurance Commissioner, Sheku Mattia, described the initiative as vital for protecting the livelihoods of farmers vulnerable to climate shocks such as droughts, floods, and irregular rainfall. “In Sierra Leone, agriculture is not just an economic activity, but a way of life. Over 70 percent of our population depends directly on farming,” Mattia said. He stressed that weather index insurance, unlike traditional policies, uses satellite data and rainfall thresholds to trigger payouts, ensuring quicker claims and wider coverage.
Mattia outlined three priority areas for scaling the product—product development and accessibility, data infrastructure and technology, and public-private partnerships—emphasizing the need for policies tailored to smallholder realities and distributed through local channels such as cooperatives and rural banks.
Activa CEO, Festus Awuah, explained the model to participants, highlighting its potential to mitigate food insecurity. He cited World Food Programme statistics showing that about 4.7 million Sierra Leoneans—roughly 66 percent of the population—cannot meet basic food needs, while 62 percent of crops fail to reach markets due to climate shocks.
“Farmers, especially smallholders, are the most exposed to risks. The Weather Index Insurance is designed as a transparent and accessible solution,” Awuah said.
Some farmers welcomed the initiative. Mary, a smallholder farmer, said the scheme offers long-awaited relief. “For so long, we have suffered losses in our farming activities. I encourage all smallholder farmers to insure their farms,” she said.
The Weather Index Insurance scheme is expected to improve resilience, reduce losses, and support sustainable agricultural growth across Sierra Leone.
