Hi-Tech Support Helps Sri Lanka's Farmers Navigate The Climate Crisis

Around 100 farmers in the north-central province of Sri Lanka have recently received insurance payouts for crop damage caused by excess rain. The payouts come via an initiative from the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) that uses satellite data to provide climate risk insurance and agro-climatic advice to marginalised famers to build their livelihoods and resilience to extreme weather events.

- Samurdhi Ranasinghe

Over 750 million people in South Asia are exposed to extreme weather and water-related disasters such as floods, drought, thunderstorms and cyclones. Zeroing in on Sri Lanka, extreme weather events dominate the news throughout the year. Projected climatic changes are expected to impact the country’s poorest and most vulnerable communities strongly, exacerbating poverty and inequality.

High temperatures and exposure to extreme climate events have always plagued smallholder farmers in Sri Lanka with adverse effects also on the economy and national food security. Following its success in India and Bangladesh, IWMI is rolling out hi-tech bundled solutions in Sri Lanka which comprise climate risk insurance, agro-climatic advice and climate-resilient seeds. These trials in other countries demonstrate proven results, including helping vulnerable farmers increase their resilience to flooding and other natural disasters, and supporting them on the road to recovery – boosting local income.

The North Central Province of Sri Lanka was chosen as an area where landless and marginalised farmers depend solely on rain for irrigation. “Whether it’s excess rain or drought, we are left with serious damages to crops.” says Mariam, a farmer from the village of Galenbindunuwewa in the north-central province.