Salaseini Litidamu Koroi, a former schoolteacher from Buabua, Lautoka, transitioned to sugarcane farming after retiring in 2013. In Tavua, her counterpart Subamma has dedicated over 29 years to cultivating sugarcane. Earlier this month, both women became some of the first beneficiaries of a newly enhanced parametric microinsurance aimed at supporting vulnerable smallholder farmers. This insurance initiative is designed to offer financial protection against the damages caused by severe weather conditions.
The microinsurance program has proven invaluable to these farmers. With their combined 40 years of farming experience, they have witnessed the devastating effects of extreme weather on their crops, leading to significant income loss. Subamma reflects on the struggles she faced after her husband passed away in 2018, noting that a series of floods destroyed her farm between 2018 and 2021. Although she has been using microinsurance for two years, she acknowledges that while it can’t fully compensate for her losses, it has greatly assisted her in rebuilding her farming operations.
In Koroi’s region of Lautoka, the weather has traditionally been hot, conducive to sugarcane growth. However, recent climate shifts have altered planting conditions, with less consistent sun exposure and increased rainfall affecting yield. Despite these challenges, Koroi recently opted for the upgraded parametric microinsurance, which now covers a broader range of climate-related incidents, including flooding and drought.
Globally, insurance uptake remains low in Fiji, but positive strides have been made with parametric microinsurance facilitated by collaborative efforts involving the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and various governments. The Pacific Insurance and Climate Adaptation Programme (PICAP) was piloted in Fiji in 2021 and aims to protect communities from the impacts of climate change, with plans for expansion to other Pacific nations.
The initiative has seen impressive growth, increasing from 1,000 to 25,000 households enrolled in just three years. The Reserve Bank of Fiji now oversees the project, prioritizing efforts to enhance resilience among those most affected by climate change.
This proactive approach to insurance highlights a significant step towards helping vulnerable farming communities better cope with climate-related adversities. By offering much-needed financial support during unpredictable weather events, this initiative not only aids individuals but also contributes to the broader objective of sustainable agricultural practices in the Pacific region.
In summary, the introduction and expansion of parametric microinsurance represent a beacon of hope for smallholder farmers in Fiji, providing them with essential resources to rebuild and sustain their livelihoods in an era of increasing climate uncertainty.
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