In the case study village, extreme weather events, droughts and floods are the main factors leading to harvest losses. According to the interviews, most farmers have previously been affected by both flood and drought. More than half of the interviewees had experienced more than one occasion of harvest loss. It was indicated twice that in times of drought, paddy rice fields would not be cultivated at all. This, however, was considered rather an adaptation strategy than harvest loss.

Farmers apply several methods to reduce harvest loss, e.g. financial backups such as crop insurance, diversification of cultivation and semi-subsistence, diversification of income such as having additional jobs, and seeking support from the community network and other organisations.

Crop insurance

Crop insurance is available from private companies and through a public programme promoted by the FO. Farmers are informed about application procedures and the conditions of the insurance and can apply during kanna meetings.

While several interviewees currently have crop insurance or have previously had such a policy, scepticism towards insurance programmes could be observed. Some farmers mentioned that the bureaucracy involved in applying for the insurance hindered them. Others noted difficulties with compensation payments. Some interviewees had turned away from insurance programmes because the compensation payments were not enough or were not paid at all.

Other crops and semi-subsistence

The majority of interviewees cultivate fruits, vegetables, corn and medical plants in their home gardens and about half of the households sell these products to generate additional income. Some farmers cultivate rice for self-sufficiency. For this purpose, some grow the old rice variety Suwandal, which was described as nutrient-rich and healthy. However, it was mentioned that old varieties grow too slowly and provide too little harvest.

Income diversification

Almost all of the interviewees indicated that at least one of the household members gets an income from additional jobs. Such jobs comprise low-income jobs such as occasional work, building, security or cleaning jobs, but also higher-income jobs such as in the military and as shop owners, guest house owners or teachers. Females were in charge of additional income in less than ten percent of the interviewed households.

Some households also receive additional income from other sources such as the Samurdhi Welfare Programme or pensions. The Samurdhi Programme was initiated in 1994 and consists of three different sub-programmes: the Relief Programme, Nutrition Programme and Social Security Programme (Department of the Commissioner General of Samurdhi 2018).

Community network and other organizations

Community networks can be a source of support in difficult times. About half of the interviewees categorized engagement within the community as very important or important. Having trustworthy friends was also said to be important or very important. Most of the interviewees or their household members are members of the Funeral Aid Society. Other associations that were mentioned are the tuk-tuk driver committee, village development committee, committee of handicraft makers, Buddhist committee, water management committee within the FO (which only takes place when recommended by the Irrigation Department), Youth Association, Women’s Association