6,600 farmers impacted by climate shocks during the 2024-2025 agricultural season received 100 million FCFA payouts from the Malian government and its partners. The landmark event, held at the Salam Hotel in Bamako on April 7, 2025, showcased the effectiveness of a pioneering climate insurance pilot designed to aid recovery from climate-related losses.
The initiative, implemented by AFG Assurances Mali in partnership with Pula Advisors and backed by AGRA, utilises an index insurance model based on weather and yield data to trigger payouts. This innovative approach, targeting producers in the Kayes, Koulikoro, Ségou, and Sikasso regions, ensures swift, objective, and transparent compensation, thereby helping farmers mitigate the financial devastation caused by climate change.
“This day is more than a ceremonial moment,” emphasised Cissé Adam Ba, CEO of AFG Assurances Mali. “It proves that when public, private, and technical actors work together, concrete and effective solutions emerge.” She also recalled the devastating floods of the past season, which led to widespread crop failure and justified the activation of the insurance mechanism.
For Pula Advisors, the goal is to stand alongside farmers when they need it most. “This wasn’t just a pilot, it was a demonstration that our product works. And when disaster strikes, it’s the insurer’s duty to be there,” said Pierre Sagara, Pula Mali’s Country Director.
National actors applauded the initiative. Sanoussi Bouya Sylla, President of APCAM (Assemblée Permanente des Chambres d’Agriculture du Mali), stressed the urgency of strengthening agricultural finance in a country where over 80% of the population depends on farming. “We need solutions tailored to our agricultural reality. This project is one of them,” he said.
AGRA’s Mali Country Director, Dr. Ahamadou Touré, highlighted the project’s broader implications. In his words, “This pilot has proven that it is possible to effectively protect farmers from climate risks. Many lost everything last year, and this compensation gives them a real opportunity to recover.”
The Commissioner for Food Security also underlined the government’s commitment to scale: “This payout marks the beginning of a larger ambition. We will work with all stakeholders to build a national framework that can extend this kind of insurance to all Malian producers.”
This initiative marks a significant step towards a more stable and secure agricultural sector in Mali. Farmers are being empowered through accessible, data-driven, and replicable insurance tools, enabling them to move towards lasting change.
The project receives support from several strategic partners, including the Office du Moyen Bani, CMDT, MEREF-SFD, NYÈSIGISO, and the Cotton Producers’ Cooperative Confederation. It is aligned with Mali’s national priorities, which are focused on strengthening farmers’ economic resilience, securing their incomes, and fostering a more inclusive and climate-resilient agricultural sector.
Source: AGRA
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