Investigating the Impacts of Climatic Shock-Responsive Social Protection in Fiji

With this grant, researchers will evaluate the feasibility of a randomized evaluation of Fiji’s parametric cyclone insurance program. The program was first piloted in 2021, through a partnership between the Pacific Insurance and Climate Adaptation Programme (PICAP), the World Food Programme, and the Department of Social Welfare of the Fiji Ministry of Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation. In the pilot, 274 social welfare recipients from locations facing high risk of climate shock received the insurance.

Launched in Fiji in 2021, PICAP focuses on developing affordable climate and disaster risk financing and insurance solutions. The initiative is supported by the United Nations Capital Development Fund, the United Nations Development Programme, and the United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security, and is funded by the Governments of Australia and New Zealand as well as the India-UN Development Partnership Fund. PICAP is a multi-year program that aims to improve the financial preparedness of Pacific Island communities.