The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) and the West Flanders Synergy Project convened a roundtable discussion in April 2019 to initially explore the state of play of CDRFI. The discussion focused on the viability of weather index-based insurance (WII) as a risk transfer mechanism (RTM) for the agriculture sector. It also generally outlined the key players of insurance-related RTMs, which include indemnity-based, crop revenue, and weather index-based approaches. The challenges of leveling the playing field for these products to be marketable while being acceptable and affordable to farmers were also conferred during the roundtable discussion. However, WII products are still seen as too technical and expensive and are thus unattractive to smallholder beneficiaries. 

This study was conducted by the Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, in partnership with the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), as part of the global Multi-Actor Partnership (MAP) project. This report compiles the experiences of stakeholders from various groups in Northern Mindanao and highlights the need to enhance organizational capacity, improve access to services, and establish partnership structures. The confluence of these, when addressed, allows for a concerted response to the landscape and consciousness of policymaking, inclusivity in substantial and relevant changes in the financial conditions of all stakeholders and partners, and a stronger and louder voice for policy influence.