By Seabata Mahao
From stock theft to disease outbreaks, the loss of even a single animal can be devastating to Basotho farmers who rears sheep and goat.
Recognising the series of vulnerabilities in the livestock sector of agriculture, Alliance Insurance Group introduced Meraka Cover, a dedicated livestock insurance product designed to safeguard the livelihoods of Basotho farmers.
Launched as a tailored risk management solution, Meraka Cover offers protection against a variety of threats to livestock, including theft, vehicle accidents, predator attacks, extreme cold, disease outbreaks, and flooding.
These are common risks faced by sheep and goat farmers, especially those in the wool and mohair who rely heavily on their animals for income.
“When this product was developed, we had in mind the Basotho farmers who rear sheep and goats, particularly those producing wool and mohair (Seiboko le Feralane),” said Thuso Mapetla, Head of Underwriting at Alliance General Insurance.
According to Mapetla, the product is also being extended to cover cattle and is structured to be accessible to small-scale farmers.
“Coverage begins from a minimum of 20 animals, with exceptions made in cases where fewer but high-value livestock are involved. Standard ewe insurance ranges from M2,000 to M3,000 per animal. For example, if a farmer insures 20 ewes at a value of M2,500 each, the annual premium would be around M2,500,” he explained.
To qualify for Meraka Cover, farmers are required to submit a veterinarian report, a completed proposal form, and a record book of their livestock with official markings recognized by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Mapetla emphasised the importance of awareness and education around the product.
“We are aware that many livestock owners, particularly those in Lesotho’s highlands, may face language and information barriers. That’s why we’re working hard to raise awareness through digital platforms, television and radio,” he said.
He added that the Meraka product is still new in the market, and there’s a long way to go in educating farmers about the value of livestock insurance.
“Insurance is still a foreign concept to many rural farmers, but we are committed to ensuring they understand the protection and peace of mind Meraka Cover provides,” Mapetla said.
