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Developing Index-Based Insurance for Agriculture in Developing Countries

United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, World Bank, March 2007

Index-based insurance products for agriculture represent an attractive alternative for managing weather risk. Pilot programs conducted in several developing countries have proven the feasibility and affordability of such products. This paper presents the main lessons from these pilot programs, and examines the prospects for extension and scaling up of index-based weather insurance products in developing economies to promote sustainable development. This paper presents the main lessons from these pilot programs, and examines the prospects for extension and scaling up of index-based weather insurance products in developing economies to promote sustainable development.

This Brief was written by Erin Bryla and Joanna Syroka from the Commodity Risk Management Group at the World Bank. Joanna Syroka also works for the United Nations World Food Programme.

Developing Index-Based Insurance for Agriculture in Developing Countries is the second issue of DESA's Innovation Brief Series, which provides insights into the most recent policy-relevant research on emerging challenges to sustainable development, with particular attention to their relevance to developing countries. The purpose of this series is to inform policy makers of the latest trends and advances on topics in the field of sustainable development, with the objective of broadening the knowledge base of policy decision-makers in responding to those challenges.

External Link: Developing Index-Based Insurance for Agriculture in Developing Countries

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