Vol. 2010 No. 1 (2010)

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Impact Evaluation of Non-Traditional Agricultural Insurance Products on Midlands Smallholder Farmers' Crop Yields in Zimbabwe

Mupfadhla Kure, Great Zimbabwe University Tsholofelo Madududu, Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC) Chizarambe Nyoni, Chinhoyi University of Technology
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18915514
Published: October 10, 2010

Abstract

Non-traditional agricultural insurance products have been introduced in Zimbabwe's Midlands Province to mitigate risks faced by smallholder farmers. These products aim to improve crop yields and livelihood security, but their impact remains poorly understood. An ethnographic approach was employed, involving participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions with a sample of 50 smallholder farmers across three districts in the Midlands Province. The analysis revealed that non-traditional agricultural insurance products were perceived positively by participants, with an average positive response rate of 78% to product features. However, there was limited evidence of actual usage or impact on crop yields due to challenges such as high premiums and uncertain payouts. While farmers generally welcomed the concept of non-traditional agricultural insurance products, their practical implementation has been constrained by affordability issues and perceived lack of reliability in payout mechanisms. Further research should explore alternative financing options for farmers to afford these products. Additionally, policymakers should consider improving communication channels to ensure better understanding and uptake of such insurance schemes. Agricultural Insurance, Smallholder Farmers, Crop Yields, Ethnographic Study

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How to Cite

Mupfadhla Kure, Tsholofelo Madududu, Chizarambe Nyoni (2010). Impact Evaluation of Non-Traditional Agricultural Insurance Products on Midlands Smallholder Farmers' Crop Yields in Zimbabwe. African Financial Services, Vol. 2010 No. 1 (2010). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18915514

Keywords

Africanruralqualitativeethnographyinsurancelivelihoodsmallholder

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Vol. 2010 No. 1 (2010)
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African Financial Services

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