Despite the recognized importance of crop insurance as a strategy for managing agricultural risks, its adoption

among smallholder farmers in Tanzania remains remarkably low. In Magu District, for instance, only about

7.8% of farmers participate in crop insurance programs despite facing recurrent threats such as droughts,

floods, and pest infestations. This study explored the influence of social relationships and community

dynamics on crop insurance adoption among smallholder farmers in Magu District, Mwanza, Tanzania.

Employing a qualitative research approach, the study focuses on the lived experiences of twelve farmers

selected through purposive sampling. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews, analyzed thematically

to understand socio-cultural barriers influencing crop insurance uptake. The findings reveal that farming

perceptions and acceptance of crop insurance. Recommendations emphasize enhancing community

engagement through consistent communication, education initiatives, and leveraging peer testimonials to foster

trust and mitigate skepticism. Overall, the study highlights the complexity of social dynamics in agricultural

decision-making, suggesting that effective strategies for promoting crop insurance must address these

collective influences to improve adoption rates among smallholder farmers.

Globally, crop insurance has been recognized as a vital mechanism for mitigating agricultural risks caused by

climate change, pests, and market fluctuations. In countries such as India, China, and the United States,

governments and private sectors have made significant strides in promoting agricultural insurance as a

Across Africa, the adoption of crop insurance remains limited despite increasing exposure to climate-related

shocks. Countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana have piloted various weather-index and micro-insurance

programs, yet uptake levels are still below 10% among smallholder farmers (FAO, 2023). The barriers often

stem from deep-rooted cultural beliefs, gender inequalities, and a general mistrust in financial institutions. For

instance, in northern Ghana, some farmers believe that insuring crops is a sign of mistrust in divine protection,

while in Kenya, women farmers are often excluded from decision-making processes that affect financial

investments. These socio-cultural dynamics suggest that insurance interventions must go beyond financial

incentives to address the social realities and value systems of rural communities (Ndiritu, 2022).

In East Africa, crop insurance is increasingly being promoted as part of regional climate resilience strategies,

yet its success varies greatly. Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya have introduced public-private partnerships to

In Tanzania, the government has introduced agricultural insurance schemes through the Tanzania Agricultural

Development Bank (TADB) and other partners to safeguard farmers from unpredictable weather patterns.

However, participation remains marginal, particularly among smallholder farmers who form the majority of

the agricultural sector (URT, 2023). The low uptake has been attributed to socio-cultural and economic

barriers, including lack of trust in insurers, limited awareness, and traditional beliefs that crop losses are acts of

God rather than insurable risks. In addition, gender disparities and limited access to financial literacy programs

have further marginalized women and older farmers from engaging in crop insurance initiatives (Msuya &

Mbise, 2022).

Specifically, in Magu District of Mwanza Region, only about 7.8% of smallholder farmers have adopted crop

strengthen collective trust, and ultimately enhance crop insurance adoption among smallholder farmers in

Magu District, Mwanza, Tanzania.

This study employed a qualitative research approach, which was appropriate for exploring and understanding

the meanings individuals attach to social and cultural phenomena. The qualitative approach allowed the

researcher to investigate the socio-cultural barriers influencing crop insurance uptake among smallholder

farmers in Magu District by focusing on their lived experiences and personal interpretations. This approach

was chosen because it provided depth, flexibility, and context, enabling the researcher to capture rich

Village were purposively selected based on their level of experience in farming, awareness of crop insurance

programs, and willingness to participate. Both male and female farmers were included to ensure gender

representation and capture diverse socio-cultural perspectives. Data were collected through in-depth

toward crop insurance in a flexible manner. Semi-structured interview guides with open-ended questions

facilitated detailed discussions. Each interview was conducted face-to-face in Swahili, recorded with

using thematic analysis, following Braun and Clarke's six-step framework, where transcribed interviews were

read, coded, and categorized into key themes reflecting socio-cultural beliefs and barriers. Findings were

presented narratively, supported by direct quotations from participants to illustrate their experiences, ensuring

authenticity and allowing the farmers’ voices to shape the interpretation of results.

risks and opportunities. In communities where collective wisdom is valued, farmers often turn to neighbors,

peers, and village leaders before making critical choices. During the in-depth interview in Kahangara village,

this study revealed that a big number of participants (9 out of 12) (75%) often relied on their community and

local leaders for guidance when making decisions about farming risks, including crop insurance. The responses

indicate a strong tendency to consult peers and village leaders, highlighting the importance of local social

networks. As one participant 40 -year-old stated,

“I often talk to community members and village leaders about their views on insurance decisions. In life, it's

essential to involve people before making decisions; otherwise, you might end up facing negative

consequences.”

Another participant a 28- year- old noted,

critical role in influencing the understanding and acceptance of crop insurance, thereby demonstrating that

collective wisdom is often valued above external advice.

Community leaders and farmer groups are important actors in influencing the uptake of agricultural

innovations, including crop insurance. However, their role is often inconsistent, leading to mixed perceptions

among farmers. During indepth interview in Kahangara village 7 participants (58 %) out of 12 believed

community leaders and farmer groups have a negative role in shaping opinions about crop insurance; however,

their influence appears limited and irregular. As one participant, a 30-year-old female lamented,

benefits in insurance or if it is just political matters, and it feels as though they are not serious at all.”

because it’s not common to talk about insurance.”This highlights that discussions about crop insurance are not

integrated into regular community dialogues, reinforcing the perception that it is an unfamiliar concept.

Social pressure within farming communities significantly influences how crop insurance is perceived and acted

individuals from exploring insurance options. Through in-depth interview which conducted in Kahangara

village, the findings of this study revealed that 8 participants (75%) out of 12 experienced negative pressure to

reject insurance, as one participant a 35 year old noted,

many people is not to be taken lightly.” This reflects a pervasive belief that insurance is not only unnecessary

but also exploitative.

The influence of women in the community is particularly notable. One female participant a 38-year-old stated.

Elderly community members also contribute to this negative perception. A participant 76-year-old mentioned,

“My stance on insurance is that I see it as costly and it won’t help me because for many years, we have been

This viewpoint, prevalent among older generations, further entrenches the belief that crop insurance primarily

Furthermore, these practices highlight how socio-cultural barriers influence the adoption of innovations. If

leaders are skeptical about insurance, it can deter uptake; conversely, if they endorse it, they can encourage

This underscores that communal consultation in Magu is not just a social preference but a crucial factor in how

farmers assess and decide on risk-management tools like crop insurance.

group affiliations, significantly shape the adoption of adaptation strategies. Similarly, Hussein and Venance

(2023) reported that farmers’ willingness to adopt index-based crop insurance is strongly influenced by the

experiences of their peers, where observing positive outcomes encourages uptake and negative experiences

generate skepticism. In Magu District, the present study confirms these patterns, showing that farmers often

consult neighbors, peers, and village leaders before deciding on insurance, highlighting the communal nature

of decision-making.

structures where trust and credibility within community networks play critical roles.

This study highlights a mixed perception among farmers: while leaders are acknowledged as key

intermediaries, their engagement is sometimes shallow or politically driven, creating a disconnect between