Riwe Technologies, a promising start-up in Akasha, Benue State, is making waves in the agricultural sector by providing accessible crop insurance to underserved and marginalized smallholder farmer communities. As a Top 12 finalist in the 2022 Pitch AgriHack competition, Riwe Technologies is dedicated to transforming the lives of farmers who often lack the resources and knowledge to secure their livelihoods against crop losses.
Many farmers in the communities Riwe Technologies serves are unaware that they can cushion themselves against the devastating effects of crop failure. Losses have become a normal issue for them, leaving them vulnerable and financially unstable. Recognizing this challenge, Riwe Technologies steps in to support farmers through the rigorous process of obtaining crop insurance.
By collaborating with community leaders and youth leaders, Riwe Technologies conducts training sessions to educate farmers on the importance of crop insurance and how it works. This hands-on approach ensures that farmers fully understand the benefits and procedures involved, empowering them to take proactive steps in protecting their crops.
A significant milestone for Riwe Technologies is their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Leadway Assurance. This partnership allows Riwe to provide affordable crop insurance to the communities they support. Farmers in Akasha, who primarily cultivate rice and soybeans, now have access to a safety net that helps them recover and thrive even in the face of unexpected crop losses.
Under the YEGRO grant, Riwe Technologies initially aimed to reach 3,000 farmers. Impressively, they have surpassed this target, currently supporting 5,000 farmers. This achievement not only highlights their commitment to agricultural resilience but also underscores the vital role of innovation in transforming rural livelihoods.
Riwe Technologies’ journey is a testament to the power of innovation and community engagement. By making crop insurance accessible and educating farmers, they are paving the way for a more secure and prosperous future for smallholder farmers in Akasha and beyond.
