Insurance game played with herders in Karare, northern Kenya. A newly launched insurance program designed by Cornell postdoctoral researcher Sommarat Chantarat and colleagues could significantly improve their prospects. (Sommarat Chantarat/Provided)

In the arid, dusty Marsabit region of northern Kenya, most people rely on livestock — for food, milk and income — to survive. So when a drought hits the already desertlike area and plants and animals begin to die, the entire population is at risk of famine.

And because northern Kenya experiences drought about every four years, herders lose most or all of their herds on a semi-regular basis, making it impossible for them to accumulate assets and climb out of poverty.

But a newly launched insurance program designed by Cornell postdoctoral researcher Sommarat Chantarat and colleagues could significantly improve their prospects.

Read more (Cornell university)