Agricultural insurance in Asia and the Pacific region

RAP PUBLICATION 2011/12

Agricultural insurance in Asia and the Pacific region

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific
Bangkok 2011

ABSTRACT

Asia and the Pacific region has one of the highest exposures of any region in the world to natural hazards. Weather-related risks, particularly hurricanes, flooding and drought, are a frequent occurrence and affect crop yields, livelihoods and assets, and the personal safety of vulnerable groups across the region. The frequency with which these disasters occur often taxes the ability of such groups to rebound quickly, increasing their risk of hunger and malnutrition. Low-cost agricultural insurance schemes are increasingly viewed as mechanisms for providing social protection to the increasing numbers of people affected by such risks and in helping to lessen the impacts they suffer owing to such shocks. This publication is based largely on the outcome of a study commissioned by FAO to provide a comprehensive up-to-date review and assessment of different models of agricultural insurance provision in Asia and the Pacific region, together with guidelines and recommendations for policy-makers seeking to introduce agricultural insurance programmes. The information is presented in a comprehensive but easy-to-read format that allows direct comparisons to be made between countries. The document also provides valuable insights into the sustainable implementation of insurance programmes in the region.

Table of Contents

Foreword
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations and acronyms
Executive summary
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Risk management and the role of
    agricultural insurance
Chapter 3: Agricultural insurance provision in
    Asia and the Pacific region
Chapter 4: Public sector support for agricultural insurance
    in Asia and the Pacific region
Chapter 5: Small farmer agricultural insurance initiatives
    in Asia and the Pacific Islands
Chapter 6: Options and recommendations for government
    support to insurance in Asia and the Pacific region
Bibliography
Annex 1: Additional tables to chapter 1
Annex 2: Additional tables to chapter 3
Annex 3: Additional tables to chapter 4
Annex 4: Individual country reports

The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or products of manufacturers, whether or not these have been patented, does not imply that these have been endorsed or recommended by FAO in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned.

The views expressed in this information product are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of FAO.

ISBN 978-92-5-106929-5

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For copies write to:	Rosa S. Rolle
	Senior Agro-Industry and Post Harvest Officer
	FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific
	Maliwan Mansion, 39 Phra Atit Road
	Bangkok 10200, Thailand
	Tel: (+66) 2 697 4000
	Fax: (+66) 2 697 4445
	E-mail: [email protected]