The 2011 agricultural season marked the expansion of HARITA to 13,195 households in 43 villages,1 reaching nine districts2 in the Tigray region of Ethiopia. For the first time in the project’s three-year enrollment history, HARITA had a payout to 1,810 farmers who experienced drought conditions in seven villages, and the associated media coverage was picked up by The New York Times. The weather index insurance options for farmers in 2011 included short-cycle crops (teff and beans) and long-cycle crops (maize, wheat, barley, and sorghum). The planting for long-cycle crops ended in May and that of short-cycle crops ended in July. Farmers who paid for insurance premiums with their labor conducted risk reduction activities in their communities, including improved irrigation capabilities and soil management practices. The harvest—which was effectively insured against drought—occurred in the fall. In this report we share key accomplishments during the October–December 2011 quarter and provide detailed information on the risk reduction activities carried out in the 2011 agricultural season, highlighting how farmers use HARITA’s risk management services to reduce their short-term and long-term food- and income-security risks.
