Composite micro insurance in North East India (Meghalaya)
Research + Structured Technical Assistance
Project Title:Life-Health-Livestock micro insurance for MRDS-LIFCOM (MLIPH)
PROJECT CATEGORY:Research + Structured Technical Assistance
OBJECTIVE:
This project aims to provide an composite micro insurance coverage for health, life and livestock risks that reaches remote areas in one of the most difficult states in India.
BACKGROUND:
The five districts under the MRDS intervention in the two regions of Meghalaya, Garo and Khasi, are among the most underdeveloped and remote in India. Financial risks related to livestock and human health strongly impact the lives of the predominantly tribal populations. Risk management is therefore especially relevant in the context of the state where most rural communities depend on livestock-related livelihoods and where livestock are rarely insured. In addition, geographical issues make the delivery of accessible health care very difficult, leading to a real need for improved health protection.
PROJECT CONCEPT:
MRDS approached the Micro Insurance Academy (MIA) for conducting a scoping study to develop strategies for effective risk management among the rural communities of the state. The purpose of the study was to undertake a comparative assessment of the gap between demand and supply in terms of risk management and especially microinsurance products in the context of MLIPH objectives. In this light, the need for defined risk management strategies becomes pertinent. This study addresses the potential for developing microinsurance, with coverage both in the areas of livestock and human health. The report establishes a reference point for the formulation of a strategy that would permit the roll-out of microinsurance as a means to improve risk management and quality of life.
PARTNERS:
The project will be conducted in collaboration/partnership with Meghalayan Rural Development Society (MRDS), Meghalaya, India
FUNDING:
The project is being funded by MRDS.
DURATION:2010-2011
COUNTRY:India
LOCATION:
Field Work: India, Meghalaya
- Location-1: East Khasi Hills district
- Location-2:Janitia Hills districts
- Location-3:Ri-Bhoi District
- Location-4:East Garo hills district
- Location-5: South Garo Hills District
CONTACT:Richa Joshi, Researcher, Richa@mia.org.in
PROGRESS:
The research tools were adapted to meet the needs expressed by MRDS / MLIPH and to local cultural and geographic settings and existing community structures and dynamics. The MIA reviewed and critically assessed the supply side options available to MRDS / MLIPH’s target communities in Meghalaya. The MIA team conducted Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) in 30 villages (approx. 2 per block across 15 blocks) in the 5 MRDS / MLIPH activity districts along with the local research associates. (KIIs) were conducted to validate the estimates of the demand side from the experience of those providing services to deal with various risks.
The desk study has been conducted to identify existing providers and their policies, assessment of relevance of insurance products to the area, and their perceived effectiveness in the local context. These “off the shelf” insurance solutions will be compared with the demand of the target communities, and recommendation will be formulated based on this comparison.
The next stage will be the planning of the implementation phase.
