The United Kingdom-based charity organization Oxfam International announced the success of its blockchain-based delivery system of microinsurance to paddy field farmers in Sri Lanka.
In a Nov. 4 press release, Etherisc announced that Oxfam’s blockchain-based insurance system had made pay-outs to Sri Lankan farmers who continue to risk losing their crops due to extreme weather events. Blockchain reduces costs and increases pay-outs Oxfam in Sri Lanka, together with its partners Etherisc and Aon plc, will now continue to seek solutions to some of the challenges that will present themselves as the new cropping season starts in the month of November. In the past, issues such as lack of affordable and reliable insurance products, a lack of understanding about how insurance would help a farmer survive, and when and how a claim would be paid, have always acted as major barriers that prevented farmers from utilizing insurance. However, the use of blockchain technology can transform and simplify the insurance claims process, which results in reduced administration costs and a higher percentage of premiums being used for fully trusted pay-outs. Chief inclusive officer at Etherisc Michiel Berende said: “We are proud to have real-world, on-the-ground success from a blockchain solution for microinsurance [...] We are delighted with the first phase results and we are excited to drive on and help more farmers.” Oxfam continues to use stablecoins to distribute aid In June, Oxfam partnered with Australian tech startup Sempo and blockchain company ConsenSys to test stablecoin Dai’s (DAI) suitability for aid in regions suffering from natural disasters. With the support of the Australian government, a philanthropic initiative was launched and dubbed UnBlocked Cash. Oxfam and Sempo reportedly chose the world’s most natural disaster-prone country, Vanuatu, to test the system. In September, Oxfam initiated the pilot program’s second phase to further distribute disaster relief. Joshua Hallwright, Oxfam Australia’s humanitarian lead, told Cointelegraph in June that it was “highly likely that Oxfam will use stablecoins or other distributed ledger technologies to provide cash aid in disaster responses in the future, either in Vanuatu or elsewhere.” Source - https://cointelegraph.com
ScaleAgData Stakeholder Engagement Event
22.10.2024The ScaleAgData project is pleased to invite you to our second stakeholder event. Building on the discussions and connections formed during our first webinar, this event will focus on fostering collaboration among stakeholders, providing updates on our project’s progress, and outlining future opportunities for engagement.
Moldova - May frosts caused heavy damage to fruit orchards
10.05.2026The first frosty nights of May have significantly worsened estimates of damage to Moldova's fruit sector from spring frosts. According to initial assessments by fruit market operators, between a quarter and a third of the country's total orchard area was seriously affected.
AVA-ASAJA urges the EU to enforce cold treatment standards on South Africa
The EU's TRACES platform has reported another detection of the false moth (Thaumatotibia leucotreta) in oranges from South Africa.
India - Andaman Farmers Trained in Modern Goat Farming, Livestock Insurance and Institutional Credit
Farmers in New Bimblitan received practical training on modern goat farming, with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services focusing on scientific livestock management and access to government support schemes.
Canada - EF1 tornado confirmed in Wellesley Township, 2 others confirmed in Tavistock
An EF1 tornado touched down in Wellesley Township, just north of Wellesley.
Nigeria - Insurance, a strategic instrument for economic stability
The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has disclosed that insurance is far more than financial service “It is a strategic instrument for economic stability”.
Polish apple exporters face unstable prices amid conflicting crop estimates
The upcoming Polish apple season is being shaped by uncertainty over prices and conflicting information about the size of the crop, says Mohamed Marawan, managing director for Polish apple exporter Sarafruit.
Spain - Reefer technologies and cold-chain solutions in focus in Madrid
MSC will exhibit at Fruit Attraction 2026, which will take place from 6 to 8 October at IFEMA MADRID – Exhibition Center, Av. Partenon 5, 28042, Madrid. The event will run from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., closing at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday.
Philippines - 5K farmers in Laoag to receive crop insurance from city gov't
More than 5,000 farmers and fisherfolk in this city will get added protection from the effects of adverse weather conditions through crop insurance, strengthening the safety net for agricultural producers whose livelihoods remain vulnerable to typhoons, drought, floods, and other natural hazards.
USA - University of Idaho lands $6 million to help farmers cut crop loss
The University of Idaho received part of a $6 million grant to study a specific crop problem that can cost farmers part of their harvest each year: stalk lodging.
