Author : Centino, Zyra May H.

Summary : Climate-related risks pose significant threats to sustainable vegetable production in the Philippines. Despite the long-standing presence of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), crop insurance uptake remains low, with only about 40% farmer participation. This study examines the socioeconomic and perception factors influencing vegetable farmers' decision to avail of crop insurance and identifies the preferred insurance attributes shaping their willingness to pay (WTP). The study was conducted in Leyte province, a climate-vulnerable region.

The study first compared the profiles of insured and uninsured farmers, revealing similarities except in age, farm income, and farm size. Awareness of crop insurance was generally low. The binary logit model showed that education, gender, farm income, awareness, and perceptions of crop insurance significantly influenced insurance uptake.

A choice experiment combined with conditional logit modeling revealed that farmers preferred insurance that: (1) covers multiple perils, (2) lasts for two croppings, (3) offers 70% cost-based indemnity, and (4) includes a rider like life insurance. Farmers favored premiums based on market value of their total harvest.

The findings suggest the importance of co-designed, farmer-centric insurance products that reflect real preferences and affordability. Tailored vegetable crop insurance packages can improve adoption and strengthen resilience among smallholder vegetable farmers in climate-risk areas.