agriculture 19 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Karamoja Farmers Turn to Insurance Amidst Severe Drought
Prolonged dry spells in Uganda's Karamoja region are devastating crops and livestock, pushing farmers to seek financial protection through agricultural insurance schemes. Despite challenges, the uptake of insurance is growing, offering a crucial safety net against climate-induced losses. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/drought-pushes-karamoja-farmers-towards-agricultural-insurance-5637634
The persistent drought gripping the Karamoja sub-region has left farmers facing significant losses, with many now looking towards agricultural insurance as a vital safeguard. Joshua Ngorok, a beekeeper in Kotido District, has witnessed firsthand the impact of the dry spell, as bees have abandoned his hives in search of water and flowering plants. This exodus threatens to wipe out potential earnings estimated in the millions of shillings, highlighting the vulnerability of even diversified agricultural practices.
The drought’s effects are widespread, impacting not only beekeepers but also crop farmers and livestock keepers. In Napak District, minimal rainfall has been recorded between June and October, while in Abim District, a maize harvest fell drastically short of expectations. Withered sorghum fields across the region paint a grim picture of the agricultural crisis.
As traditional livelihoods become increasingly precarious due to unreliable rains, agricultural insurance is emerging as a critical tool for recovery and resilience. Joseph Paschal Bbemba, deputy country director of Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) Uganda, emphasizes that insurance aims to restore farmers to their pre-loss financial standing rather than generate profit.
The adoption of agricultural insurance in Karamoja has seen a notable increase, particularly since 2025. Insurers, working in collaboration with farmers and organizations like SAA, provide compensation for verified losses. In the first season of 2026, hundreds of farmers insured hundreds of acres, receiving substantial payouts that inject much-needed capital back into the local economy.
Farmers have flexible options for premium payments, with compensation calculated based on factors such as the premium paid, crop value, and expected yield. SAA also supports farmers through initiatives like block farming, encouraging diversification into crops like sunflowers that may have clearer insurance coverage. Despite the challenges posed by climate change, these efforts, coupled with agricultural extension services, aim to bolster the resilience of Karamoja’s farming communities.