TWO DECADES OF MICRO INSURANCE RESEARCH (2001–2024): A COMPREHENSIVE BIBLIOMETRIC REVIEW

Abstract

This study provides an extensive bibliometric overview of microinsurance research from 2001 to 2024, including a systematic examination of the field's intellectual framework, thematic development, and worldwide academic contributions. Using data extracted from peer-reviewed publications, the study employs co-citation analysis, bibliographic coupling, and keyword co-occurrence mapping to explore the development, interdisciplinary connections, and research trends within the microinsurance domain. The results indicate a consistent rise in academic production, with a compound annual growth rate above 11 percent, demonstrating heightened scholarly and policy interest in microinsurance as a mechanism for financial inclusion and risk mitigation among disadvantaged people. Key clusters identified in the analysis span themes such as social protection, health insurance, climate risk, and development finance. The co-citation network indicates a multidisciplinary foundation rooted in development economics, public policy, and actuarial science, while the thematic map suggests an ongoing shift toward emerging areas such as digital microinsurance and climate adaptation strategies. Despite the field’s maturity, the study identifies underexplored areas and recommends further inquiry into technology-enabled microinsurance models and impact evaluation frameworks. This bibliometric review not only maps the trajectory of microinsurance research but also offers strategic insights for academics, policymakers, and development practitioners aiming to strengthen its theoretical and practical dimensions.