In Paraguay, the agricultural sector continues to be the most important economic sector, with high relevance for national economic growth. While traditionally, there has been a strong track record and concentration of public resources on cattle production, the rather non-traditional sectors of small animal husbandry have become an increasingly important source of income for vulnerable rural households. Yet, the producers and other actors of the value chain face different risks: recurring inundations blocking access roads or the outbreak of animal diseases in production clusters can interrupt...

The agricultural sector is a key segment of the Paraguayan economy, representing 30% of gross domestic product, 40% of exports, and the source of employment for a large majority of the rural population.1 Given the importance of this sector, agricultural risks are key to the economic and social health of Paraguay. Family farmers and their households, representing 90% of the total farms, are the ones most at risk of being trapped or falling into poverty due to external shocks and to the lack of adequate protection mechanisms. Due to the country’s subtropical temperate climate, characterized by...

Competitive markets are best geared to respond to farmers’ need and offer tailor-made insurance products. It is the government’s responsibility to ensure a level playing field. This is particularly important in countries where state-owned insurers compete with the private sector. Policymakers and the regulator have to create a framework that provides all market players, public and private, the same access to infrastructure and services, such as access to data on weather or agricultural production. In countries where premiums are subsidized, all insurance companies have to be eligible to...