Rutsiro District Targets Tenfold Expansion in Insured Farmland Through “Tekana” Campaign
Authorities in Rutsiro District have launched an ambitious campaign to accelerate enrollment in the Government-backed agricultural and livestock insurance program, “Tekana Urishingiwe Muhinzi Mworozi,” with expectations of increasing insured farmland nearly tenfold as part of efforts to shield farmers and livestock keepers from devastating climate-related losses.
The official launch of the awareness drive brought together farmers and livestock keepers from different sectors of Rutsiro District under the National Agriculture Insurance Scheme (NAIS), a government initiative aimed at protecting agricultural investments against disasters, diseases, drought, floods, erosion, and other risks that frequently affect rural communities.
The campaign was organized by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) through the Single Project Implementation Unit (RAB-SPIU), in collaboration with district authorities and implementing partners. It attracted both beneficiaries already enrolled in the insurance scheme and others interested in joining.
Speaking during the event, the Vice Mayor of Rutsiro District in charge of Economic Development, Emmanuel Uwizeyimana, acknowledged that insurance coverage for crops and livestock remains far below the district’s potential despite the area’s high exposure to natural disasters.
“In our district, the Tekana Urishingiwe Muhinzi Mworozi program has not yet reached the level we desire. That is why we are intensifying awareness campaigns because Rutsiro is among the districts most affected by disasters that cause heavy losses to farmers and livestock keepers,” he said.
He explained that although the district cultivates nearly 20,000 hectares of land, only between 100 and 200 hectares are currently insured annually, a situation he described as insufficient.
“With continuous mobilization, we want at least one-tenth of the cultivated land to be insured, meaning between 1,000 and 2,000 hectares. The current numbers are still low because only between 2,500 and 3,000 animals are insured each year out of more than 60,000 livestock found in Rutsiro District,” he added.
Uwizeyimana further revealed that local authorities have set a target of insuring at least 200 cows within two weeks as part of the intensified campaign. He also emphasized that special attention will be given to the district’s 62 consolidated farming sites (FoBaSi), which cover more than 1,600 hectares.
He called upon small-scale farmers and livestock keepers to embrace the insurance program, noting that previous concerns related to delays in compensation payments have now been addressed.
Farmers who have already benefited from the insurance scheme testified to the positive impact it has had on their livelihoods.
NDAGIJEMARIYA Savronie, a member of the Twigire Neza Muhinzi Rwambeho Cooperative, said agricultural insurance rescued farmers from severe losses caused by erosion and climate shocks.
“When disasters strike, the Government helps us recover so that we do not lose everything. We often face erosion, drought, and crop diseases, but once we report the damage, support comes in time,” she said.
She added that before joining the insurance scheme, farmers used to suffer major financial losses whenever disasters occurred.
HABIMANA Vincent, the Agriculture Officer in Kigeyo Sector, said the insurance program has become increasingly popular among farmers and livestock keepers because it directly responds to the challenges caused by extreme weather conditions.
“Farmers working in marshlands near the Biruyi River used to suffer from excessive rainfall and strong winds. Since they started joining the insurance scheme, they no longer live in constant fear of losing everything. It is a program that arrived at the right time, and farmers are progressively understanding its importance,” he noted.
He expressed confidence that continuous mobilization efforts through local agricultural officers will further increase participation in the scheme.
MUTUYIMANA Florentine, a potato farmer from Kora Neza Rwambeho Cooperative, said insurance transformed the lives of smallholder farmers who previously struggled with repeated losses despite cultivating limited land.
“We started farming on small plots and often suffered huge losses. But after joining Tekana Urishingiwe Muhinzi Mworozi and insuring our potato fields, we regained hope because we began receiving timely support whenever disasters occurred. We no longer suffer the same losses caused by excessive sunshine or heavy rainfall,” she said.
She praised the Government of Rwanda for introducing the insurance scheme and encouraged other farmers who have not yet enrolled to do so.
Statistics for the 2025–2026 agricultural season indicate encouraging progress in agricultural and livestock insurance uptake across Rutsiro District. More than 90 hectares of maize, over 98 hectares of potatoes, and more than 53 hectares of beans were insured.
In the livestock sector, participation also increased significantly. Insured poultry exceeded the planned target, reaching 2,330 chickens compared to the target of 1,500, while insured pigs rose to 1,124 against a target of 1,000.
Authorities say the growing adoption of agricultural insurance demonstrates increasing awareness among residents about the importance of protecting farming investments against unpredictable disasters and diseases.
Rutsiro District, known for its steep hills and fragile soils, remains highly vulnerable to landslides and soil erosion that frequently destroy crops and livestock infrastructure. District leaders say ongoing efforts to expand radical terraces and soil protection measures across vulnerable areas will complement the insurance program and strengthen resilience among farming communities.
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