Health Met Traning Module - Edited

Health Meteorology Section for Pastoral areas
Health Meteorology Traning Module for pastoral

and Agro-pastoral areas
Adama, Ethiopia
June 2023
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Table of Contents
Section One.................................................................................................................................................4
Effects of Extrem Meteorological Variables on Health................................................................................4
1. Introduction.........................................................................................................................................4
2. Objective.............................................................................................................................................4
2.1 Specific objective....................................................................................................................4
2.2 Enabling Objectives................................................................................................................4
3. Temperature effect on health.............................................................................................................4
4. Humidity Effect on Health...................................................................................................................8
Section two................................................................................................................................................11
Malaria Climate Factors.............................................................................................................................11
1. Introduction.......................................................................................................................................11
2. Objective...........................................................................................................................................11
2.1 Specific Objective.................................................................................................................11
2.2 Enabling Objectives..............................................................................................................11
3. Malaria and Climatic Factors Malaria................................................................................................11
3.1 Advisory................................................................................................................................14
Section Three.............................................................................................................................................15
Discomfort Index.......................................................................................................................................15
1. Introduction.......................................................................................................................................15
2. Objective...........................................................................................................................................15
2.1 Specific objectives................................................................................................................15
2.2 Enabling Objectives..............................................................................................................15
3. Discomfort Index for Humans............................................................................................................15
3.1 Advisory................................................................................................................................17
4. Discomfort Index for cattles..............................................................................................................18
4.1 Advisory................................................................................................................................19
Section Four...............................................................................................................................................20
Weather-Based Index Insurance................................................................................................................20
1. Introduction.......................................................................................................................................20
2. Objective...........................................................................................................................................20
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2.1 Specific Objective.................................................................................................................20

2.2 Enabling objective................................................................................................................20
3. Weather Index Insurance..................................................................................................................21
3.1 Drought Index insurances....................................................................................................22
3.2 Key points.............................................................................................................................22
3.3 Common livestock insurance...............................................................................................23
3.3.1 Livestock Gross Margin............................................................................................................23
3.3.2 Livestock Risk Protection.........................................................................................................23
3.3.3 Dairy Revenue Protection.........................................................................................................23
4. References.........................................................................................................................................25
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Section One
Effects of Extrem Meteorological Variables on Health
1. Introduction
Over long periods, individuals and communities can adapt to their local climates. When both
warmer and colder temperatures, Flood and drought, high humidity, and low humid extremes can
go above or below those norms rapidly, scientific evidence shows that people become vulnerable
to associated health effects related to those extremes. Studies suggest that climate change will
greatly increase the severity and frequency of extreme events, leading to increases in climate-
related illness and death.
2. Objective
The main objective of this training Section is used to understand the effects of extreme
meteorological events on humans and cattle
2.1 Specific objective
The specific objective of this section is:
 To know the effect of extreme temperatures on human and livestock health
 To know the effect of Relative humidity on health human and livestock health
 To understand the extreme effects of temperature and humidity on health
2.2 Enabling Objectives
At the end of this training, trainers will able to:
 Describe the impact of temperature
 Describe the impact of relative humidity
 List the extreme outcome effects of temperature and relative humidity
3. Temperature effect on health
Activity 1.1. Self-reflection
Question: What are Temperature and extreme temperatures mean?

[[[[
Total Time: 5 minutes
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Temperature is a measure of whether something is hot or cold. It measures by thermometer and

expressed in degree centigrade(oC). whereas extreme temperature is unexpected, unusual, severe,
or unseasonal temperature records in the areas.
Temperature extremes most directly affect health by compromising the body’s ability to regulate
its internal temperature. Loss of internal temperature control can result in various illnesses,
including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and hyperthermia from extreme heat events.
Temperature extremes related to heat can also worsen chronic conditions such as cardiovascular
disease, respiratory disease, cerebrovascular disease, and diabetes-related conditions . Extreme
heat can be dangerous for anyone, but it can be especially dangerous for those who have chronic
medical conditions. Extreme heat or heat waves occur when the temperature reaches extremely
high levels or when the combination of heat and humidity causes the air to become oppressive.
Some factors that might increase your risk of developing a heat-related illness include; High
levels of humidity, Obesity, Fever, Dehydration, Prescription drug use, Heart disease, Mental
illness, Poor circulation, Sunburn, and Alcohol use.
The highest risk groups of people are; Older adults, Very young people with mental illness and
chronic diseases, infants and Children, pregnant women, manual workers, athletes, the poor,
Elders, outdoor workers, and people with disabilities are more exposed groups of the community.
Generally, males are more affected than females.
Heat also has important indirect health effects. Heat conditions can alter human behavior, the
transmission of diseases, health service delivery, air quality, and critical social infrastructure
such as energy, transport, and water.
Heat stress in animals is one of the major climate change impacts on domesticated livestock
raised in both intensive and extensive production systems. At temperatures higher than an
animal's thermoneutral zone, heat stress can affect live-weight gain, milk yield, and fertility.
Animal welfare may also be negatively affected by heat stress even in the absence of effects on
productivity, at least in the short term. Heat stress results from a combination of several weather
variables including high ambient temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and wind speed, with
negative impacts on both animal welfare and productivity. Depending on species and breed,
cattle can experience thermal stress at temperatures higher than 20°C. At higher temperatures,
animals reduce their feed intake by 3–5% per additional degree of temperature, reducing
productivity. Heat stress increases respiration and mortality, reduces fertility, modifies animal
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behavior, and suppresses the immune and endocrine systems, thereby increasing animal
susceptibility to some diseases. These changes can affect the economic performance of dairy and
beef production systems.
Managing animals in high temperatures requires good planning. Keeping an eye on the weather
forecasts and developing a plan for days of high to extreme temperatures is essential in ensuring
that your animals will have sufficient shade and water on those very hot days. Extreme heat
causes significant stress for all animals. There are a few simple guidelines you can follow to
reduce the impacts of high temperatures on animals. It is the responsibility of owners or people
in charge of animals to be well prepared for heat events to ensure the welfare of their animals is
maintained. This includes planning farm infrastructure to provide shaded areas with good
ventilation to maximize heat loss. Animals need to be checked regularly throughout the day for
signs of heat stress, along with water points to ensure animals have access to ample cool water.
Environmental factors for heat stress in animals
 Recent rainfall and subsequent rise in humidity lead to decreased sweating and breathing for
heat dissipation.
 A high ongoing minimum and maximum circulating temperature and or high environmental
humidity.
 A high solar radiation level due to the absence of natural cloud cover may predispose animals
to heat stroke.
 Extended period (> 5 days) having minimal air circulation leading to the consistently harsh
environment.
 Warm cloudy nights might also increase the risk of heat stroke as the animals dissipate the
heat energy during the night.
 A sudden shift to adverse climatic conditions might also predispose animals to heat stress.
 Husbandry practices and farm layout may sometimes facilitate the onset of heat stress in
animals.
Some characteristics of animals might put the individual at a greater risk of heat stroke. The
following attributes might be responsible for the higher incidence of heat stroke in conjunction
with some environmental factors:
 Breed: Indigenous breeds are more heat tolerant than exotic breeds.
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 Genetic variation: Variations attributable to the phenotypes of individual animal breeds.

 Coat color and type: Animals with lighter coat colors tend to be more tolerant of heat.
Animals having coarse hair type as a coat may be more prone to heat stress (e.g. sheep vs
goat).
 Body condition: Obese and emaciated animals tend to be more susceptible to heat stroke.
 Age: Animals that are recently weaned or aged animals are more prone to heat stress.
 Adaptation: Indigenous animals might adapt to local climatic conditions, provided the
temperature change is gradual.
 Disease: Animals having ailments of any etiology might not be able to adapt to changes in
the weather.
 Physiological State: Lactating animals or peri-parturient animals might be at higher risks
of getting affected by temperature or humidity rise due to their hormonal profiles.
 Vector Density: Some flies and mosquitoes might cause a nuisance to animals, leading to
overcrowding/ huddling towards vector-free areas.
Signs of heat stress in animals
 panting
 increased respiration rate
 increased water intake
 loss of appetite
 listless or lethargy
 increased salivation
 in severe cases may become unconscious
Animals at high risk of heat stress include:
 young animals
 dark colored animals
 animals that have been sick or have a previous history of respiratory disease
 high producing dairy cows are more affected by extreme heat than lower-producing cows
 lactating cattle are more susceptible than dry cows because of the additional metabolic
heat generated during lactation
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 beef cattle with black hair suffer more from direct solar radiation than those with lighter
hair, although those with pink skin are at risk of sunburn
These types of animals should be watched more closely for signs of heat stress during days of
high temperatures.
4. Humidity Effect on Health

Question: What is relative humidity and extreme relative humidity means?

[[[[
Humidity is the concentration of water vapors present in the air expressed in percentage(%).

Water vapor, the gaseous state of water, is generally invisible to the human eye. Extrem humidity
is the very low and high percentage of water vapors in the air atmosphere.
Humidity can affect human health because it affects our thermal comfort - in other words,
whether we feel too hot or too cold. When the weather is warm and humidity is high, the body
finds it difficult to keep cool, because it's harder to remove heat via evaporation of sweat into the
air. this can lead to dangerous levels of overheating. Severe illness or even death can result from
heat stress, and it can trigger other problems with breathing, heart attacks, or strokes.
High humidity can harm the human body. Because the air feels warmer than the official,
recorded temperature, it can contribute to feelings of low energy and lethargy. In addition,
hyperthermia, or overheating as a result of your body's inability to effectively let out heat, can
negatively impact your health in conditions of high humidity. Some health risks which result
from overexposure to humidity (hyperthermia) include Dehydration, Fatigue, Muscle cramps,
Heat exhaustion, Fainting, and Heatstroke.
Relative humidity is important to various infections diseases pathogen development and services
in both extremes. There is a strong correlation between the bacterial populations and relative
humidity. Most bacteria can survive for a short period at a relative humidity of 55–75%.
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Humidity also plays an important role in fungi development and high humidity increases fungal
growth.
If the level of humidity is too high, the risk of;

 Mold growth and Bacteria
 Allergies
 Sleeping discomfort
 Feeling stuffy
 Dust mites
 Visible condensation
 Asthma
 Sinuses problem
If the level of humidity is too low, the risk of;
 Dry skin
 Asthma
 Sinus problem
 Allergies
 Coughing
 Itchy throat
 Catching a cold or infection
In a similar way to humans, humidity also affects animals. For example, high humidity in warm
conditions can be a problem for dairy and beef cattle. Such conditions can put the animals under
stress because they cannot regulate their body temperature as effectively. This stress can result in
a reduced diet, problems with reproduction, and higher mortality rates. In addition to the
incidence of infectious diseases, relative humidity is also associated with other abnormalities in
other aspects of animal health. It's also known that along with high temperatures, high relative
humidity decreased the evaporation rate and increased animal heat stress. Additionally, relative
humidity affects the animal respiratory system; high humidity in evaporative cooling systems
may cause respiratory stress.
For most mammalian species the acceptable range of relative humidity is 30–70% and the
optimum range of relative humidity for chicken during and after brooding is 60–80 and 50–70%,
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respectively. When dairy cows are exposed to hot and humid climates, the intake and milk yield
production will be decreased.
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Section two
Malaria Climate Factors
1. Introduction
Malaria is found in nearly 70 percent of Ethiopia, with 52 percent of Ethiopians at risk of
infection, and transmission is highly seasonal and varies geographically across the country.
Malaria is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in tropical and subtropical
regions. The bulk of the global malaria burden is in sub-Saharan African countries, including
Ethiopia. Malaria adversely affects the health of the people as well as the economic development
of many developing countries including Ethiopia.
2. Objective
The general objective of this Section is to introduce the climatic factors of malaria development
and breeding prone area
2.1 Specific Objective
The specific objective of this section is:
 To create awareness for climate factors of malaria
 Understand the suitability conditions of malaria
 To understand the effect of meteorological variables on malaria transmission
At the end of this training, trainers will be able to:
 List the climatic factors of malaria
 Describe the effect of meteorological variables on malaria transmission
 Define the climate suitability condition for malaria
3. Malaria and Climatic Factors Malaria
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Question: What are malaria and the climatic factors of Malaria?

[[[[
Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease that can affect humans and other animals. Malaria
is a disease caused by a parasite. The parasite is spread to humans through the bites of infected
mosquitoes. Climatic factors greatly influence the pattern and level of malaria transmission in
Ethiopia, in Africa, and the world. For the development and breeding of vectors (Mosquitos)
meteorological variables play a significant role. The three main climatic factors that directly
affect malaria transmission are temperature, rainfall, and relative humidity (the amount of
moisture in the air).
Temperature; the ranges of minimum and maximum temperature greatly affect the development
of the malaria parasite and its mosquito vector, which determines malaria transmission.
Temperature affects the life cycle of the malaria parasite. The time required for the parasite to
complete its development in the gut of the mosquito is about 10 days.
As the temperature decreases, the number of days necessary to complete the development
increases for a given Plasmodium species.
The time needed for the parasite to complete its development in the mosquito decreases to less
than 10 days as temperature increases from 21°C to 27°C, with 27°C being the optimum (most
favorable conditions). The maximum temperature for parasite development is 40°C. Below
18°C, the life cycle of P. falciparum in the mosquito body is limited. The minimum temperatures
are between 14–19°C, with P. vivax surviving at lower temperatures than P. falciparum. Malaria
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transmission in areas colder than 18°C can sometimes occur because the Anopheles often live in
houses, which tend to be warmer than the outside temperature.
Mosquito vector develops more quickly at higher temperatures. Higher temperatures also
increase the number of blood meals taken and the number of eggs laid by the mosquitoes, which
increases the number of mosquitoes in a given area. The minimum temperature for mosquito
development is between 8–10°C; the optimum temperature is 25–27°C, and the maximum
temperature is 40°C. The average optimum temperature for malaria transmission over a specific
area is in the range of 18oC to 32oC. where the mean temperature of the area is above 32 oC, the
survival and development of the mosquito will be restricted or it can't tolerate the heat. On the
other way, if the average temperature of the area is below 18 oC, it becomes too cold, and can't
live the mosquito in this area.
Rainfall; is the main influencer of Anopheles mosquito breeding. So the right amount of rainfall
is often important for them to breed. Different anopheles mosquitoes prefer different types of
water bodies in which to breed. In Ethiopia, water collections that support vector breeding appear
mainly after the rains, and therefore malaria transmission is highest following the rainy season.
Note that the anopheles mosquitoes that transmit malaria do not breed in foul-smelling polluted
water. Of course, too much rainfall can flush away breeding habitats temporarily, but mosquitoes
start breeding as soon as the rain stops. Not all water collections are suitable for the mosquito life
cycle. In Ethiopia, rainwater collections are the most important breeding ground, as the
anopheles mosquitoes prefer to breed in freshwater collections created after the rainy season.
Such water bodies may be clear or muddy, but they are not polluted. There are also places where
less rainfall and drought can favor mosquito breeding and malaria transmission. Such places are
usually covered by vegetation throughout the year and streams and rivers often flow rapidly.
Pooling (ponds) creates a favorable environment for mosquito breeding. Malaria vectors mainly
breed in stagnant (not flowing) water collections, rarely in slightly moving waters, and never in
rapidly flowing rivers and streams. In drier areas, rainfall can also affect malaria transmission
indirectly through its effect on humidity.
Vegetation cover increases after rainfall, which in turn increases the relative humidity of the
environment. For the breeding of vectors(Mosquitoes), the optimum total rainfall to the specific
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area will be 80mm per month. Unless below the threshold amount of rainfall, the mosquito can't
get sufficient water to breed.
Relative humidity; refers to the amount of moisture in the air, expressed as a percentage; (0%
humidity would mean the air is completely free of moisture (dry) and 100% humidity would
mean the air is completely saturated with moisture). The main function of relative humidity is to
affect malaria transmission through its effect on the activity and survival of mosquitoes.
mosquitoes need to live at least 8–10 days to be able to transmit malaria. Mosquitoes survive
better under conditions of high humidity. They also become more active when humidity rises.
This is why they are more active and prefer feeding during the night – the relative humidity of
the environment is higher at night. If the average monthly relative humidity is below 60%, it is
believed that the life of the mosquito is so short that very little or no malaria transmission is
possible. But above 60% of RH is the optimum and more favorable condition to survive over the
area.
All three main climatic factors combine and determine the activity of mosquito vectors through
breeding, survival, development, and malaria transmission diseases. But consider in your mind
that climatic factors are not the only determinants of malaria transmission. Many non-climatic
factors like Environmental development and urbanization, Population movement and migration,
The level of immunity to malaria in the human hosts, Insecticide resistance in mosquitoes, Drug
resistance in parasites, type of parasites, and type of vectors are other aggravators’ of the disease
transmission in your areas.
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Fig 1; Malaria climate suitable areas in May 2023

3.1 Advisory
As malaria is one of the mortality and morbidity diseases in Ethiopia, so all the communities
have the responsibility of disease control mechanisms and take actions to reduce the transmission
of the disease. Follow the following reduction and controlling methods;
 Clean your environments in any suitable condition for vectors breeding and development
 Remove or clean stagnant waters in your areas
 In your day-to-day activity wear the right closes
 In your home bed and window net is the main preventing mechanisms
 If there is a pond or lake around your area, you have to use vector-feeding fishes and oils
to eliminate the larva and pupa before develop into adults.
 When you are a traveler, you must use tents, sleeping bags, and mosquito-repellent
creams.
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Section Three
Discomfort Index
1. Introduction
In the low land of the tropical region, the highest sun heat is reached in the earth. Most lowland
areas of Ethiopia have a high degree of temperature and high amount of vapor gas that leads the
heat stress, especially in the Eastern, Southern, Western, and Northwestern low land portions of
the country experienced for heat stress. Heat stress happens when the body's way of controlling
its internal temperature starts to fail. As well as air temperature, factors such as work rate,
humidity, and work clothing may lead to heat stress. Factors that contribute to heat stress are
high air temperatures, radiant heat sources, high humidity, direct physical contact with hot
objects, and strenuous physical activities.
2. Objective
The main objective of this section three is to know whether the climate in an area is suitable for
human beings or cattle to live
2.1 Specific objectives
The specific objectives of this section are:
 To capacitate the impact of heat stress
 To be aware of the effect of temperature humidity index
 To create an understanding of
 Define discomfort index
 Describe the impact of heat stress
 How to manage their daily activities and livestock
3. Discomfort Index for Humans
Question: What is the Discomfort index?

[[[[
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Temperature–humidity index (THI), is the combination of temperature and humidity that is a

measure of the degree of discomfort experienced by an individual in warm weather; it was
originally called the discomfort index. The index is essentially an effective temperature based on
air temperature and humidity is a useful and easy way to assess the risk of heat stress. The heat
index is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined
with the air temperature. It is applied to the temperature and humidity datum over representative
stations of the country to review the weather condition which was comfortable, moderate, and
discomfort. Exposure to extreme heat can result in occupational illnesses and injuries. Heat stress
can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes. Heat can also increase the
risk of injuries in workers as it may result in sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses, and
dizziness. Burns may also occur as a result of accidental contact with hot surfaces or steam.
Workers at risk of heat stress include outdoor workers and workers in hot environments such as
firefighters, bakery workers, farmers, pastorals’ construction workers, miners, boiler room
workers, factory workers, and others. workers at greater risk of heat stress include those who are
65 years of age or older, are overweight, Pregnants and children, the poor, displaced and
homeless, athletes, have heart disease or high blood pressure, or take medications that may be
affected by extreme heat. A THI is a single value representing the combined effects of air
temperature and humidity associated with the level of thermal stress. The mathematical formula
to get the THI value we used is;
THI= 0.8*Tmean + (RH*Tmean)/500
Where Tmean — the average daily temperature of the area in oC
RH — the daily average Relative Humidity of the area in %
When THI is;
Between 0 to 14, the climatic weather condition for that area to live is experienced
in cold stress
Between 14 to 21, the climatic weather conditions for those areas for living people
feel the comfortable condition
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Between 21 to 26, the climatic weather condition for that area for living peoples
feels moderately uncomfortable condition. At this time heat stress is experienced
by most of the people in that particular area.
Greater than 26, the climatic weather condition for that area for living peoples feels
uncomfortable condition. At the time of uncomfortable conditions, all people get a
high level of heat stress. So, difficult health problems have happened in people,
especially for such chronic cases exists. During the discomfort condition,
respiratory disease, cardiovascular diseases, mental health conditions, stroke, and
other chronic diseases are direct impacts of heat stress.
Fig 1. The monthly human discomfort index (THI) for May 2023
3.1 Advisory
Prevention of heat stress in work areas is important. For heat stress-prone areas, many
controlling mechanisms are recommended;
 Reduce heat stress exposed activities
 Provide shaded areas
 Use plenty of liquids and schedule their outdoor activities
 Wear light-colored clothes and sunscreen
 Avoid extra layers of clothing and clothing that absorb heat.
 Avoid alcohol and drinks with high caffeine or sugar.
 Call for medical if a sign of heat stress is begins
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 Shorten work periods and increase rest periods:
 As temperature, humidity, and sunshine increase.

 When there is no air movement.
 If protective clothing or equipment is worn.
4. Discomfort Index for cattles
Question: What is the impact of THI on Diary castles?

[[[[
The Temperature Humidity Index (THI) is an indicator that takes into account the combined
effects of ambient temperature and relative humidity and is a useful and simple way to assess the
risk of heat stress. It is used in livestock farming, both in dairy and meat cows. Cows suffer from
heat stress, which seriously affects the volume and quality of the milk they produce. A
combination of factors causes thermal stress: temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, air
movement, and precipitation. The majority of studies on heat stress in livestock focus on the two
main environmental stressors: temperature and relative humidity. Heat stress can have major
detrimental effects on animal health and productivity and poses particular challenges to herds in
'hot' regions. Cattle can tolerate much higher temperatures at lower relative humidity because
they can dissipate excessive heat more effectively. However, during hot and especially humid
conditions, the natural ability of cattle to dissipate heat is compromised due to the lowered ability
to utilize evaporative cooling. by sweating. The initial studies conducted in the 1950s at the
University of Missouri indicated a stress threshold of 71 THI, so animals were experiencing heat
stress at a THI of 72 and greater. But recent studies show that modern cows become heat-
stressed starting at an average THI of 68 with the levels of stress increasing with increasing THI
values (Vitali,2009).
The formula to calculate the THI of dairy cattle is;
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THI =0.8*T + RH*(T-14.4) + 46.4

where T = average air temperature in °C and RH= average relative humidity expressed as a
percentage. i.e. 75% humidity is expressed as 0.75.
When the THI; Below 68, cows are free of heat stress(Not stressed)
Between 68 and 71, cows are experiencing threshold stress. the signs of heat
stress begin (threshold)
Exceeds 72, cows are likely to begin experiencing heat stress and their in-calf
rates will be affected (mild stress).
Exceeds 78, cow's milk production is seriously affected(Moderate).
Rises above 89, very significant losses in milk production are likely, cows show
signs of severe stress and may ultimately die(Sever stress).
Fig 2; Monthly discomfort index for cattle during May 2023.

4.1 Advisory
The best ways to help your cattle through this time while reducing the opportunities for heat
stress are as follows:
 For pasture, cattle evaluate the conditions of the water supply and ensure plenty of high-
quality drinking water is available
 Access to fresh, cool, and clean water
 Do not work cattle during temperature extremes
 Pest control for flies and parasites
 Protect from direct sunshine exposed and Made shelters
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 Provide ventilation and cooling with waters

 Provide drinking and conduct water tracking
 Identify animals that are most susceptible to heat stress
 Strong follow-up and conduct monitoring of their health
 Provide adequate air movement
 The amount of water livestock need depends on the type of animal and stage of
production, with requirements often doubling during hot weather
 Pay attention to long- and short-term weather forecasts and have a copy of the
temperature-humidity index chart readily available
Section Four
Weather-Based Index Insurance
1. Introduction
In Ethiopia the only climate information provider is EMI and the approval of the weather-based
index insurance is given to the meteorology institute within the agreement between the insurance
company and insurance. The current Settlement Tool has been developed to estimate payouts of
the Pasture-Drought Satellite Index Insurance for Pastoralists in Ethiopia (SIIPE) over
Somalie regions in Kebridehar, Mubarek, West Imi, East Imi, Raso, etc.. woredas.
2. Objective
The main objective of this training Section is to create awareness about Weather index Insurance
2.1 Specific Objective
The specific objective of the section of training is:
 To be aware of the index insurance
 To capacitate the knowledge of weather and index insurance
 To highlight the uses of weather-based insurance
2.2 Enabling objective
 Define weather index insurance
 Describe the uses of weather-based index insurance
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 Define common livestock insurance.
3. Weather Index Insurance
Question: What is Insurance and index insurance?

[[[[
Insurance is a financial arrangement that is intended to protect from risk. This risk can be for any
number of things, including death, a car accident, or even for crop losses or livestock death.
Insurance is not a gift or a subsidy, but a way in which a person can pay a small amount in good
years and receive protection in bad years. However, you should expect that over time the amount
that you pay will ALWAYS be more than the amount you receive to pay for the profit of the
insurance company that holds your risk for you.
To obtain insurance, one must agree to and sign a contract with an insurance company. In
exchange for a fixed, upfront payment called a "premium", the insurance company provides
guaranteed compensation if the specified contract terms (usually relating to a loss) occur.
However, if something bad happens that is not covered by the contract, then the purchaser is not
given money. In addition, if the agreed-upon loss does not occur, you will not get your premium
back. One benefit of purchasing insurance is that there are pre-agreed-upon terms that dictate the
amount of compensation you receive.
Index-based insurance represents an exciting innovation that could allow vulnerable rural
smallholder farmers and livestock keepers to benefit from insurance and thus reduce climate-
related risk.
Index insurance is a relatively new tool that could allow vulnerable rural smallholder farmers
and livestock keepers to benefit from insurance and thus reduce climate-related risk. It pays out
based on an index, such as rainfall or NDVI, measured at a local weather station or by satellite,
rather than based on a consequence of weather, such as a farmer's crop or pastoral livestock
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yield. Unlike traditional crops, the insurance company does not need to visit a farmer's field to
determine premiums or assess damages; if the rainfall amount or NDVI is below a pre-specified
threshold, then the insurance pays out. But if the rainfall amount or NDVI is Normal or above
the threshold, the company will not pay for the insurers.
3.1 Drought Index insurances
Erratic rainfall is a problem for farmers or pastoral's. If the fields do not receive enough rainfall
at the right times, then the crops or livestock will wither and die. Drought index insurance is a
way to possibly protect against some of the losses associated with below-average rainfall. If
there is a drought (i.e. low rainfall over a given period), and this drought falls under the terms
agreed to in the insurance contract, then the farmer or pastoral's will receive money to help make
up for some of the loss.
E.g. Let’s pretend you have a crop in the field, from which you will earn 10 dollars in a normal
year. If there is a drought, indicated by a lack of rainfall, you may only earn 2 or 3 dollars
instead, since much of the crop will likely be lost. If you had purchased insurance before the start
of the season, and the rainfall during the drought was below the amount needed to trigger your
insurance contract, then the insurance company will pay you some money.
It is important to note that the exact terms of the contract must be met for a payout. If there is no
drought, the insurance company will not pay anything, even if you have a bad year due to other
factors like floods or pests, or diseases. If there is bad rainfall or NDVI during part of the year,
but this low level of rainfall or NDVI does not fall within the agreed-upon contract dates, then
the insurance company will not compensate the farmer or pastoral's payout.
3.2 Key points
1. For drought index insurance, payouts are determined by the amount of rainfall or NDVI
measured by rain gauges or satellites, not by the actual amount of rainfall that falls on your field.
This is a limitation of insurance that you should think about when deciding if you want to
purchase it.
2. You must pay for index insurance. It is not a subsidy; you pay for what you get.
3. Index insurance cannot be used to address every risk; rather it is one part of a larger risk
management package.
4. Farmers will still experience bad years in which their losses are not fully covered, or covered
at all by their insurance contracts.
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5. You will not receive a payment in most years, and you will not receive a payment in all bad
years.
6. There are many things that drought index insurance is NOT designed to help with, like floods
or termites. You will only be compensated when the specific contract terms are met.
7. If and when you receive an insurance payout it does not need to be paid back. It is the payment
that is made to you in return for the premium that you bought as a climate risk
management strategy.
8. Typically, a premium covers one year only and is not cumulative. You can make the decision
each year as to whether or not you wish to purchase insurance; if yes, then you can pay the
premium and receive coverage for that specific year. Your commitment is only for one year.
3.3 Common livestock insurance
There are three main livestock insurances in the pastoralists.
3.3.1 Livestock Gross Margin
Livestock Gross Margin (LGM) is a type of livestock insurance that can help protect your
operation against potential revenue loss caused by declining prices and increasing feed costs. It
provides insurance coverage against the loss of gross margin for cattle, swine, and dairy cattle.
3.3.2 Livestock Risk Protection

Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) is another livestock insurance option that can help safeguard
your operation against declining cattle, swine, and lamb market prices. It offers a variety of
coverage levels and periods of insurance to correspond with general feeding, production, and
marketing practices.
3.3.3 Dairy Revenue Protection

As demand and prices fluctuate, you can keep your revenue stable with Dairy Revenue
Protection (DRP). This coverage can help protect against unexpected declines in quarterly
revenue from milk sales because of a decline in milk prices, milk production, or a combination of
both. Dairy producers can choose from one of two pricing options, which allows them to
accurately reflect your own farm-level risk
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4. References
Berman A. 2006. Extending the potential of evaporative cooling for heat-stress relief. Journal of
Dairy Science, 89, 3817–3825.
OIE (World Organization for Animal Health). 2012. Introduction to the recommendations for
animal welfare. In: Terrestrial Animal Health Code. 21st ed. World Organisation for Animal
Health (OIE). Paris, France.
https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-is-humidity-and-how-does-it-affect-life-on-earth.html
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
319082172_Effects_of_relative_humidity_on_animal_health_and_welfare
https://www.usaid.gov/ethiopia/global-health/malaria
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Health Meteorology Section for Pastoral areas

Health Meteorology Traning Module for pastoral

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2.1 Specific Objective.................................................................................................................20

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Activity 1.1. Self-reflection

Question: What are Temperature and extreme temperatures mean?

Total Time: 5 minutes

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Temperature is a measure of whether something is hot or cold. It measures by thermometer and

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 Breed: Indigenous breeds are more heat tolerant than exotic breeds.

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 Genetic variation: Variations attributable to the phenotypes of individual animal breeds.

Animals at high risk of heat stress include:

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4. Humidity Effect on Health

Question: What is relative humidity and extreme relative humidity means?

Total Time: 5 minutes

Humidity is the concentration of water vapors present in the air expressed in percentage(%).

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If the level of humidity is too high, the risk of;

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3. Malaria and Climatic Factors Malaria

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Activity 2.1. Self-reflection

Question: What are malaria and the climatic factors of Malaria?

Total Time: 5 minutes

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Fig 1; Malaria climate suitable areas in May 2023

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Activity 3.1. Self-reflection

Question: What is the Discomfort index?

Total Time: 5 minutes

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Temperature–humidity index (THI), is the combination of temperature and humidity that is a

THI= 0.8*Tmean + (RH*Tmean)/500

Where Tmean — the average daily temperature of the area in oC

RH — the daily average Relative Humidity of the area in %

When THI is;

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 Shorten work periods and increase rest periods:

 As temperature, humidity, and sunshine increase.

4. Discomfort Index for cattles

Activity 3.2. Self-reflection

Question: What is the impact of THI on Diary castles?

Total Time: 5 minutes

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THI =0.8*T + RH*(T-14.4) + 46.4

Exceeds 78, cow's milk production is seriously affected(Moderate).

Fig 2; Monthly discomfort index for cattle during May 2023.

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 Provide ventilation and cooling with waters

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 Define common livestock insurance.

3. Weather Index Insurance

Activity 2.1. Self-reflection

Question: What is Insurance and index insurance?

THI= 0.8Tmean + (RHTmean)/500

THI =0.8T + RH(T-14.4) + 46.4