Financing social insurance schemes for agricultural workers in the Middle East and North Africa
Financing social insurance schemes for agricultural workers in the Middle East and North Africa
Some of the main barriers preventing the expansion of social insurance (SI) schemes to agricultural workers(AWs) in the region are of a financial nature. Usually, SI schemes rely on the co-responsibility in financing between employers and employees, base contribution values on regular wages, and only accept monthly contributions in cash. This structure excludes AWs who are self employed or do not have stable contracts with their employers, and those with seasonal, low, irregular or non-cash incomes. This research report aims to understand the main financial barriers that may hinder the coverage of AWs by SI schemes in the MENA region, and which strategies can help address them.