Preferences and willingness of farmers to participate and pay for crop insurance: Evidence form a choice experiment

This study investigates the preferences and determinants of crop farmers' willingness to participate in flood insurance programs in Anambra State, Nigeria. Through a choice experiment, the study examines farmers' preferences for traditional inspection versus weather-based index inspection and identifies factors influencing their insurance decisions. Results reveal that while all surveyed farmers unanimously endorse participation in flood insurance programs, a slight majority express a preference for weather-based index inspection over traditional inspection. Factors such as monthly income, cooperative membership, access to credit, geographical proximity to traditional insurance offices, and receipt of climate change information significantly influence farmers' choice of insurance type. These findings underscore the importance of adapting insurance policies and interventions to meet the evolving needs and preferences of farmers. Policymakers and stakeholders are encouraged to enhance the accessibility and affordability of weather-based index insurance, leverage existing cooperative networks and financial institutions, and tailor interventions to address location-specific challenges. By addressing barriers such as affordability, accessibility, and awareness, policymakers and stakeholders can promote broader participation in flood insurance programs, thereby enhancing the resilience of agricultural communities to climate risks.