Swisscontact – Livestock Insurance

The Bangladesh Microinsurance Market Development Programme (BMMDP) is spearheading the “Livestock Insurance Facilitation through Veterinary and Related Value-Added Services” project, which focuses on enhancing the awareness and accessibility of livestock insurance for small-scale rural farmers, particularly women. With funding from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and managed by Swisscontact, the project seeks to address the critical gap in livestock insurance awareness and uptake, thereby promoting financial security and climate resilience in rural communities.

The project began with a thorough setup phase that included hiring key staff, establishing operational frameworks, and securing partnerships with insurance stakeholders such as Swisscontact and GDIC. A successful kick-off meeting helped align all involved parties, clearly setting out the project’s objectives, roles, and timelines. To promote demand and build trust, the project engages closely with local federations and organizations to organize awareness sessions tailored for farmers who may not be familiar with livestock insurance, even if they are knowledgeable about other insurance forms.

Additionally, a network of community volunteers has been created and trained through a careful selection process, enabling them to assist in outreach efforts and serve as local advocates for insurance adoption. Field visits to farmers’ federations have offered crucial insights into existing livestock management practices, showcasing how insurance products can bolster the economic stability of rural households. These efforts not only enhance rural resilience and financial literacy but also play an important role in closing the gender digital divide by equipping women farmers with essential financial resources.

As this project continues, it sets a solid foundation for creating a sustainable, inclusive insurance ecosystem that will benefit the livelihoods and long-term prosperity of rural farming communities in Bangladesh.