Dear RFILC members,

We would like to start February’s Newsletter with a study produced by the UKAid Initiative Sakchyam Access to Finance on the “Microinsurance Industry in Nepal”. The study compiles information from surveys undertaken to assess the supply and demand for microinsurance in Nepal, the current challenges and the way forward. It also reviews the main players in the sector, the microinsurance products available and an examination of the risks faced by low-income households, their coping mechanisms and general awareness of the insurance products. A total of 303 respondents representing both microfinance institutions (MFIs) and non-MFI members participated in the survey, out of which 153 were MFI members while the remaining 150 were not a member of any MFI.

Secondly, we would like to bring to your attention the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) MicroLead’s newest case study: “Pafupi Saving: Expanding Financial Inclusion to Rural Women”. Rural women in Malawi provide significant earning power within their families, but many of them lack access to a safe place to save their money. From 2012 to2016, UNCDF’s MicroLead programme supported NBS Bank, working with Women’s World Banking, to introduce a tailored savings account – Pafupi Savings. This case study explores the outcomes of introducing these accounts, which are designed to expand access for low-income and unbanked people in rural areas, especially women. Pafupi Savings, meaning “close” savings, relies on agency banking, mobile technology and community-based marketing to reach rural women where they are.

Finally, the 4th International Conference “Agricultural Insurance, Reinsurance and rokerage in Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Europe and Asia” , organized by Agroinsurance International, will be held in Belgrade, Serbia from the 16th to the 18th of April, 2018. The goal of the conference will be to enhance dialogue between key players in the agricultural insurance markets of Europe and Asia. It will provide a platform for insurance, reinsurance and broker companies  to discuss various issues related to developing markets. The conference sessions will focus on technical aspects of agricultural insurance, innovative approaches in agricultural insurance, portfolio management and use of technology for underwriting and loss adjustment. For additional information and registration, click here.

With best regards,
The RFILC editorial team