پژوهشهای برنامه و توسعه (Feb 2024)
The current situation and social and cultural solutions for the development of agricultural insurance
Abstract
The insurance industry plays a crucial role in economic and social development, and agricultural insurance is a key component. However, expanding insurance coverage requires a supportive infrastructure at the community level, particularly a strong agricultural insurance culture.This study explores the current state of agricultural insurance in rural and development areas from the perspectives of farmers, key informants (agricultural and insurance experts), and sociologists. In-depth interviews were conducted with a diverse group of 30 participants, including farmers, experts, and sociologists with varying educational backgrounds, ages, and specialties. A theoretical sampling approach was used to ensure maximum diversity. The research identified weaknesses in the current agricultural insurance system, as perceived by key informants. These included concerns about weak responsibility from insurers, inefficient payment mechanisms, negative attitudes towards insurance, limited commitment from institutions, and a lack of intrinsic motivation among farmers. The study also explores solutions to establish a stronger agricultural insurance culture. Social factors include promoting professional ethics, fostering a sense of occupational value among farmers, and raising public awareness. Strengthening institutional trust between farmers and insurers, fostering community-based awareness campaigns, and utilizing social media are also highlighted. Additionally, leveraging the influence of respected community members (reference groups) is considered valuable. Proposed insurance solutions focus on fulfilling commitments, expanding coverage for losses, diversifying payment methods, conducting accurate needs assessments, ensuring timely compensation for losses, fostering collaboration among relevant institutions, adjusting cost-benefit ratios, simplifying access to insurance, increasing the number and expertise of insurance professionals, implementing smarter damage estimation methods, considering tariff adjustments, and ensuring transparency and fairness in the claims payment process.
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