Webinar - Lessons from Piloting Index-Based Livestock Insurance in Conflict and Fragile Contexts: Perspectives for Scale

Lessons from Piloting Index-Based Livestock Insurance in Conflict and Fragile Contexts: Perspectives for Scale
How can livestock insurance help pastoralist communities build resilience in fragile and conflict-affected settings? This question was at the centre of SCBF's recent webinar, Lessons from Piloting Index-Based Livestock Insurance in Conflict and Fragile Contexts: Perspectives for Scale, which explored lessons from a pilot programme in Sudan and broader experiences from the Horn of Africa.
The webinar brought together experts from the Sustainable Agriculture Foundation (SAF), Agtuall, ZEP-RE, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and UNDP to discuss the opportunities and challenges of designing, delivering, and scaling index-based livestock insurance (IBLI) for vulnerable pastoralist communities.
A key focus of the discussion was Sudan's IBLI pilot, jointly supported by SCBF and AGFUND. The initiative assessed the feasibility of using satellite-based data to protect pastoralists against drought-related livestock losses. Speakers highlighted how institutional, technical, and socio-economic assessments informed the product design and implementation approach.
The conversation underscored the importance of strong partnerships in delivering livestock insurance. Government agencies, insurers, financial institutions, technology providers, and community actors each played a critical role in building an ecosystem capable of reaching pastoralist communities.
Technology emerged as another central theme. By combining historical rainfall data, land-cover information, and satellite-derived vegetation indices, the project was able to monitor forage conditions and develop objective drought triggers. Speakers emphasized that while technology can improve efficiency and transparency, local knowledge and continuous stakeholder engagement remain essential for ensuring relevance and trust.
Drawing on experiences from the DRIVE programme across Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti, panelists also explored what it takes to scale livestock insurance successfully. Key factors included trusted distribution channels, financial literacy, appropriate subsidy mechanisms, government support, and the ability to adapt solutions to local contexts.
The discussion further highlighted opportunities to bundle insurance with complementary services such as savings, credit, animal health services, and livestock value-chain support, creating greater value for pastoralists and strengthening resilience.
The webinar concluded with a clear message: successful livestock insurance programmes require more than sound product design. Sustainable scale depends on collaboration, data-driven innovation, strong community engagement, and a deep understanding of pastoralist livelihoods.
Speakers
Welcome Address: Dana Ellis, SCBF
Introduction: Frédérique Weyer, Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC)
Moderator: Enock Sing'oei, United Nations Development Program (UNDP)
Panelists:
• Rayan Hadi, Sustainable Agriculture Foundation (SAF)
• Gloria Karissa, FIA, Zep Re
Watch the webinar recording on SCBF's YouTube channel and explore the full Sudan Feasibility Study Report to learn more about the lessons shaping the future of inclusive livestock insurance.
Watch the webinar recording here.


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