Insurance-backed climate resilience: Leadway, partners roll out support for smallholder farmers

LEADWAY Assurance Plc has deepened its role in Nigeria’s agricultural sector through a strategic collaboration with the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU), state governments, and the PULA Foundation, aimed at shielding farmers from climate-related risks and strengthening national food security.

The initiative provides subsidised agricultural insurance solutions to more than 249,000 smallholder farmers across eight states: Borno, Enugu, Taraba, Ekiti, Kaduna, Nasarawa, Plateau and Jigawa.

Under the structure, state governments cover 50 percent of farmers’ premiums, while PULA Foundation finances the balance through donor support.

The scheme ensures that vulnerable farmers can now access affordable protection against recurring shocks such as droughts, floods, and pest outbreaks threats that have historically undermined rural livelihoods and food production.

The partnership will be amplified through the Harvesting Hope Caravan, a grassroots roadshow across four geopolitical zones designed to raise awareness, provide advisory support, and promote climate-smart agricultural practices.

Ayoola Fatona, Global Head of Agricultural Risk Solutions at Leadway Assurance, said the project reflects more than the provision of insurance, describing it as “a step toward building a climate-smart agricultural landscape that is resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.”

Similarly, Leadway’s Managing Director, Gboyega Lesi, emphasised the importance of collaborative action: “Our role goes beyond risk transfer. We are enabling farmers with knowledge, advisory, and access to solutions that make them more resilient. This partnership demonstrates how public-private collaborations can protect livelihoods and strengthen Nigeria’s food systems.”

By embedding insurance and advisory services into its engagement model, the initiative positions climate resilience as a driver of agricultural transformation.

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Leadway and its partners believe that empowering farmers with affordable cover and practical tools will not only secure livelihoods but also reinforce long-term food security and inclusive economic growth.

Leadway Assurance is one of Nigeria’s leading insurance companies, providing a wide range of financial protection services including life, general business, and agricultural insurance.

With over 50 years of experience, Leadway is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions and superior service to its customers.

The Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) drives the implementation of Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda for food systems transformation.

Through initiatives like the Harvesting Hope Caravan, PFSCU works to strengthen coordination, build resilience, and foster inclusive growth across the agricultural sector.