Insured Yet Insecure Unpacking Legal Gaps in Agricultural Risk Management in Africa

Abstract

Despite efforts to expand agricultural insurance in Africa, significant legal gaps prevent widespread adoption and effectiveness. This paper examines the interplay between national insurance policies, legal structures, and farmer participation in Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. Key barriers such as regulatory inconsistencies, absence of mandatory insurance laws, and weak enforcement mechanisms are identified. The study advocates for policy reforms that introduce standardized insurance regulations, government-subsidized schemes, and community-driven microinsurance models to protect vulnerable farmers from economic and environmental shocks.