Natural Disasters And Individual Behaviour In Developing Countries: Risk, Trust And The Demand For Microinsurance (contributions To Economics)

This study investigates the complex link between natural disasters, individual behaviour – in the form of an individual’s risk-taking propensity and level of trust – and the demand for microinsurance. Developing countries are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of natural hazards and climate change as they affect their development processes and set back poverty reduction efforts. Using a unique data set for rural Cambodia based on a survey, experimental games and a discrete choice experiment, the study highlights the importance of perceptions, expectations and psychological factors in decision-making processes with substantial consequences for long-term economic perspectives and poverty alleviation. Front Matter....Pages i-xi Introduction....Pages 1-3 Natural Disasters in Developing Countries....Pages 5-41 Experiencing Natural Disasters: How This Influences Risk Aversion and Trust....Pages 43-83 The Demand for Microinsurance Products Against Disaster Risk....Pages 85-146 Going Forward: Building Resilience with Microinsurance....Pages 147-163 Conclusion....Pages 165-166 Back Matter....Pages 167-195