Climate Effects on Rainfall Index Insurance Purchase Decisions

Abstract

Rainfall Index insurance is a pilot insurance product offered to producers of hay and pasture in 9 states. This analysis examines the expected payoff of the RI insurance for bi-monthly periods based on rainfall shortage probabilities in alternative climate phases. Differences in expected returns indicate that selection of ENSO-specific optimal intervals may result in higher returns than those based on pooled rainfall series.rainfall insurance, ENSO, expected indemnity, Production Economics, Risk and Uncertainty,