Stockists scan product information using the camera on a mobile phone, then select the weather station closest to the farmer's fields. The stockist then enters the farmer's mobile number and sends the registration to the server of the Agricultural Index Insurance Initiative (AIII). An immediate text message sent to the farmer provides him with his policy number and insurance confirmation.
If farmers lose crops due to drought or floods they will receive a text message notifying of a payout through a cash transfer service. The project was piloted in 2009 and allowed farmers to receive payouts of up to 80%.
Panos London promotes the participation of poor and marginalised people in national and international development debates through media and communication projects. It is part of the worldwide Panos Network of independent institutes working to ensure that information is used more effectively to foster debate, pluralism and democracy.
Go to: http://www.panos.org.uk
