The perennial droughts experienced in arid and semi-arid lands in Kenya often expose the pastoral households that inhabit the area to the risk of widespread livestock losses. The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), in collaboration with its technical partners, has developed an Index-Based Livestock Insurance - an innovative satellite based insurance that will compensate pastoralists for livestock lost due to drought. In January 2010, ILRI, together with its commercial partners, UAP Insurance and Equity Insurance Agency, launched a pilot project in Marsabit District in Northern Kenya, where nearly 2,000 contracts were sold.

Brenda Wandera
Andrew Mude
Index-Based Livestock Insurance
International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
Nairobi, Kenya
b.wandera@cgiar.org