Development of area-based yield index insurance for rice based on satellite data

Raviz, J., Gutierrez , M., Dela Cruz, I., Alosnos, E., Garcia , C., Castillo , R., Hellin, J., Laborte, A. Development of area-based yield index insurance for rice based on satellite data. Poster presented at the Anticipatory Climate Change Adaptation: ClimBeR Learning Exchange. October 28, 2024. IIRR, Silang, Cavite, Philippines.

Rice farming in the Philippines is highly vulnerable to climate risks, particularly affecting smallholder farmers. Traditional indemnity-based crop insurance provides some level of protection; however, it often falls short due to slow claims processing, subjective damage assessments, and inadequate coverage. To address these gaps, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) have partnered to develop an innovative area-based yield (ARBY) index insurance using satellite data. ARBY relies on historical average yields for specific geographic areas to determine payouts when crop losses occur. It was tested in six municipalities during the 2023-2024 dry season, resulting in payouts for two municipalities where yields fell below the trigger yield.

This poster was presented during the Anticipatory Climate Change Adaptation: ClimBeR Learning Exchange hosted by the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) on October 28-29, 2024, at IIRR Headquarters in Cavite, Philippines. The Learning Exchange highlighted the achievements of the ClimBeR Initiative and other climate change efforts in the Philippines, providing valuable insights into how diverse stakeholders—including smallholder farmers and cooperatives, national and local government units, academic institutions, NGOs, CSOs, and international organizations—have effectively initiated and maintained interventions aimed at addressing climate change, enhancing food security, and prioritizing livelihoods across the country.