Drought-affected farmers get Rwf44 million in compensation

Microensure, a UK based company, has given over Rwf44 million to farmers worst hit by drought in the country in 2013 season B. Jean de Dieu Kampayana, the company’s country representative, announced this on Thursday while addressing farmers, SACCO managers and local leaders in Kayonza District. Microensure, through the Ministry of Agriculture, will also provide weather index insurance, in partnership with local insurance companies. Kampayana was on a mission to find out whether Rwf16 million earmarked for Kayonza farmers reached the right beneficiaries. “I am here to ascertain whether the money was given to the right people…I am happy that it did. ‘‘Microensure was disappointed by the farmers’ loss and consequent failure to receive compensation. The money is a drop in the ocean we know, but other partners like SORAS also pledged to help,” he said. Microensure, through local leaders, had mobilised small-scale farmers to get insurance cover for their produce against such risks as drought, excess rain and floods. The farmers received the cover under SORAS, a local insurer, but when drought affected crops they were not compensated as expected. They say they were expecting to be paid at least Rwf 80 million in compensation. Kampayana took time to explain why the money was less than what was expected. “The weather insurance index used satellite to determine if there was rain or not…it covered a radius of 15 kilometers. ‘‘So, it generalised to give an average that showed there was enough rain and, therefore, no need for compensation. ‘‘It may rain in 15 kilometers and not in five kilometers. So, it’s a sad reality that some genuine claims were not considered. “We want a change next time so that the satellite covers resolutions up to at least five kilometers and educating all stakeholders will be apriority.” Kampayana added. Meanwhile, farmers and SACCO managers continue to decry the failure of compensation. Eric Nyirigira, the chairman of SACCOs in Kayonza District, said failure to compesate farmers was largely responsible for bad loans which affect microfinance institutions. “We gave out loans expecting the insurance company to pay back, but it was not the case. It is, unfortunate, that we never had knowledge of the satellite and how it works…we need to find a solution to the problem of bad loans,” he said. Alfred Nsengiyunva, the chairman of maize and soya growers in the district, said drought and consequent failure to compensate them was affecting them significantly. “It is not fair to be told that there was enough rain when our crops dried up in gardens. We blame our leaders who negotiated on our behalf,” he said. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Drought-affected farmers get Rwf44 million in compensation