Microinsurance and the Sustainable Development Goals

This contributed volume examines the role of microinsurance as a strategic instrument for advancing sustainable development and strengthening the resilience of vulnerable populations. With a particular focus on the Indian context, the book explores how affordable risk protection can address interconnected challenges related to poverty, food insecurity, healthcare access, income instability, financial exclusion, and climate-related vulnerability. The volume is structured around key Sustainable Development Goals, with dedicated parts addressing SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). It brings together perspectives on poverty reduction, agricultural risk management, food security, healthcare access, health equity, income volatility, economic resilience, climate-risk financing, weather-index insurance, and climate-resilient practices.

Going beyond the conventional view of insurance as a mechanism for financial compensation, the book examines the broader developmental impacts of microinsurance, including livelihood security, social protection, financial inclusion, risk management, and resilience building. It also considers the demand-side and supply-side challenges that influence the adoption, accessibility, effectiveness, and long-term sustainability of microinsurance.