Kenya’s SunCulture, a leader in solar-powered irrigation systems, has partnered with Turaco, a leading insurtech company, to launch SunCulture Protect, an innovative insurance solution aimed at building the resilience of smallholder farmers against the growing challenges posed by climate change and health crises.
SunCulture has been at the forefront of providing sustainable solar-powered irrigation solutions, transforming agriculture for smallholder farmers across Kenya. Turaco, on the other hand, specializes in offering affordable, mass-market insurance products tailored to the needs of underserved communities. Together, their partnership seeks to bridge critical gaps in the agricultural sector by delivering an integrated solution that addresses farmers’ most pressing challenges.
SunCulture Protect offers health and life insurance coverage tailored for smallholder farmers using SunCulture’s pay-as-you-go (PAYG) irrigation systems. The insurance is designed to mitigate financial shocks caused by extreme weather events and unexpected medical emergencies, which are becoming increasingly common due to climate change. Farmers can seamlessly integrate their insurance payments into their existing irrigation system installments, making the coverage both accessible and affordable.
“Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it’s a health and economic crisis. As extreme weather events become more frequent, they jeopardize the livelihoods and health of vulnerable communities, particularly smallholder farmers,” said Ted Pantone, CEO of Turaco. “Our partnership with SunCulture enables us to provide essential coverage that protects livelihoods while fostering long-term resilience.”
Samir Ibrahim, CEO of SunCulture, echoed this sentiment, saying: “Our mission has always been to help smallholder farmers grow more food and improve their livelihoods. Partnering with Turaco allows us to extend this commitment by offering not just sustainable energy solutions but also financial security and peace of mind to our customers and their families.”
The launch of SunCulture Protect highlights a growing trend of collaboration between technology and financial service providers to address the socio-economic challenges faced by smallholder farmers. This initiative also underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions in Africa’s agricultural sector, which has been severely impacted by unpredictable weather patterns, including prolonged droughts and sudden floods.
Read also: AfriLabs and NASENI Partner to Launch Innovation Hub for Nigeria’s Future.
By leveraging their combined expertise, SunCulture and Turaco aim to empower agricultural communities by enhancing their climate resilience, safeguarding their livelihoods, and creating a foundation for sustainable development. The initiative will increase agricultural productivity, strengthen economic stability, and create a more inclusive financial ecosystem for rural Kenyan communities.
In conclusion, the partnership between SunCulture and Turaco exemplifies the potential of cross-sector collaborations to drive meaningful impact. By addressing the dual challenges of climate change and healthcare accessibility, SunCulture Protect provides a comprehensive safety net that not only safeguards farmers but also positions Kenya’s agricultural sector as a model for resilience and sustainability.
