Investigating the Major Factors that Affect the Willingness Level of Farmers on Accepting Agricultural Insurance: A Case Study of the Barberry Producers in South Khorasan Province

Agricultural insurance is one of the effective agricultural risk management programs. Barberry is the major agricultural product in South Khorasan province which shapes 95% of the entire agricultural production in the province. Accordingly, this research investigates the major factors that affect insurance acceptance amongst barberry producers in rural areas of South Khorasan province in 2020. The demographic statistics suggest that there are approximately 12,500 barberry producers in Ghaen and Zirkoh villages, which is about half of the whole barberry producers in the province. Based on Cochran's formula, the number of statistical samples is 372 barberries. Both the reliability of using Cronbach's alpha and the validity of the research questionnaire became confirmed by the agricultural-jahad department experts and the university professors. The results show that a range of factors including horticultural experience level, awareness of aphid dangers, sudden rains, insects and rodents have a positive and significant effect on the intended farmers’ willingness to accept agricultural insurance. Insects and rodents have a dramatic impact on insurance acceptance. Further, a higher awareness of natural hazards and pests and diseases would increase the likelihood of agricultural insurance acceptance amongst the intended farmers. Therefore, this study suggests that related awareness classes are needed to boost the knowledge level of farmers about the potential risks and hazards and encourage them to accept agricultural insurance programs.