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Webinar - Emerging Innovations in Inclusive Index Insurance for Smallholder Farmers – How technology builds trust and reduces basis risk

Date:
February 6, 2026
February 6, 2026
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As climate volatility intensifies, smallholder farmers face increasingly unpredictable losses - exposing the limitations of traditional insurance models. Basis risk, delayed or disputed claims, and low customer understanding continue to undermine trust, precisely when reliable financial protection is most needed. At the same time, rapid advances in digital tools, data sources, and communication channels present a timely opportunity to rethink how inclusive insurance is designed and delivered.

Building on SCBF’s recent new insights report, Inclusive Index Insurance: Insights and recommendations for practitioners and donors, SCBF convened an expert discussion on the topic Emerging Innovations in Inclusive Index Insurance for Smallholder Farmers – How technology builds trust and reduces basis risk on 5 February 2026, bringing together leading index insurance innovators and practitioners from Sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America. The session explored how emerging technologies - such as hybrid insurance models, picture-based loss assessment, mobile platforms, and advanced monitoring tools - are helping tackle two persistent challenges in index insurance: farmer trust and basis risk.

Speakers

· Sitara Merchant Carter, SCBF, Introduction

· Michael McCord, MicroInsurance Centre at Milliman (Moderator)

· Carlos Boelsterli, MiCRO (part of Howden)

· Ewan Wheeler, ACRE Africa

· Simon Schwall - OKO Finance

Key takeaways:

> Trust remains the central challenge to scaling index insurance, with basis risk acritical barrier to adoption

> Hybrid models that combine parametric indices with ground-truthing are improving credibility and relevance for farmers

> Satellite imagery and photo-based loss assessment are increasing transparency and confidence in payouts

> Farmer involvement in claims verification strengthens understanding and trust

> Effective distribution and education - using voice, messaging apps, mobile tools, and agents - are essential

> Bundling insurance with advisory and climate information services boosts value and uptake

> Scaling inclusive agricultural insurance requires alignment between technology, regulation, and on-the-ground realities

Recording for the discussion is available now and you can watch it now on our YouTube channel 👉 here.

Join us

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