Addressing development challenges in electronic agricultural Insurance systems

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive framework designed to enhance the development of electronic agricultural insurance systems (EAIS) tailored to the specific needs of smallholder farmers in Mukono District, Uganda. Despite the existence of various EAIS, a significant gap persists in addressing the unique challenges and preferences of these farmers, hindering insurance uptake and agricultural resilience. Through a rigorous mixed-methods research approach, involving surveys and in-depth interviews, the study identified key challenges and proposed a framework grounded in user-centered design principles. The framework emphasizes the importance of: Understanding farmer needs: Conducting thorough user research to identify specific challenges, preferences, and expectations. Active farmer involvement: Incorporating farmers into the development process to ensure systems align with their needs and perspectives. Usability and accessibility: Designing systems that are intuitive, easy to navigate, and accessible to farmers with varying levels of technological literacy. By implementing this framework, policymakers, stakeholders, and insurance providers can contribute to the development of more effective and inclusive EAIS that empower smallholder farmers and enhance agricultural resilience in Uganda. The study's findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and industry professionals seeking to improve the effectiveness of agricultural insurance systems in developing contexts.