Rwanda Launches Greenhouse Insurance Scheme to Protect Farmers and Boost Agricultural Exports
Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board through RAB-SPIU in their insurance program called TEKANA URISHINGIWE MUHINZI MWOROZI officially launched the Greenhouse Insurance Scheme on this May 7, 2026, during an event held at the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda in Kigali.
This is part of strengthening climate-resilient agriculture and protecting greenhouse farmers’ investments.
The newly introduced insurance scheme falls under Rwanda’s National Agriculture and Livestock Insurance Program and is specifically designed to safeguard greenhouse farmers against losses caused by structural damage, extreme weather conditions, pests, and crop diseases. The initiative reflects the continued commitment of the Government of Rwanda to build a resilient agricultural sector, secure farmers’ investments, and accelerate sustainable agricultural transformation nationwide.
Speaking during the official launch, Joseph Museruka, the coordinator of TEKANA URISHINGIWE MUHINZI MWOROZI, Rwanda’s crop and livestock insurance program operating under the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources together with RAB explained that the new insurance product will play a vital role in increasing the country’s export-oriented agricultural production. He noted that the government’s five-year agricultural transformation strategy (2024–2029) targets an increase of export crop cultivation land by at least 22 percent, from 79,000 hectares to 97,000 hectares.
He emphasized that greenhouse farming remains one of the most effective solutions for maximizing agricultural productivity in a country with limited arable land.
“As we increase cultivated land, we also increase production. Given Rwanda’s limited farming space, greenhouse farming offers one of the fastest and most efficient ways to achieve high-quality and high-volume harvests. Crops grown in greenhouses are better protected against climate change and its devastating effects,” Museruka said.
He added that the insurance program comes as a long-awaited solution for farmers who have frequently suffered devastating losses caused by disasters such as storms and floods. According to him, the initiative will also encourage more investors and financial institutions to confidently invest in greenhouse agriculture.
“Many farmers lose hope after facing repeated destruction caused by strong winds, floods, and other disasters. But once a farmer is insured, they can farm with confidence. Even lenders and financial institutions will now feel more secure supporting agricultural projects,” he stated.
Museruka further assured stakeholders that compensation claims would be processed promptly to strengthen trust and promote long-term collaboration between farmers, insurers, and the government.
Farmers welcomed the new insurance product as a game-changing intervention that could protect them from recurring losses.
Mukandayisenga Donatille, who oversees production and markets at the Rwanda Greenhouse Farmers’ Cooperative in Rwamagana District, said greenhouse farmers have repeatedly experienced serious losses caused by heavy rain and destructive winds. She praised the government for introducing the insurance scheme, saying it would restore confidence among farmers.
“Our cooperative owns 80 greenhouses, but we lost three due to strong winds. Many farmers have become discouraged because of such losses. This insurance program is a major relief because it will help address disasters and many other challenges we face,” she explained.
She added that the insurance coverage would motivate farmers to invest more energy and resources into greenhouse farming because of the higher productivity and profitability associated with the practice.
Nyiransabimana Cécile, Vegetables Farmer from Nyanza district
Nyiransabimana Cecile, a vegetable farmer from Nyanza District who grows cucumbers, bell peppers, and tomatoes in greenhouses, also shared her experience with climate-related losses.
“At one point, my bell pepper crops were almost ready for harvest when heavy rain and wind destroyed my greenhouses. Some crops rotted while others were completely damaged. I spent more than three million Rwandan francs repairing the structures,” she recalled.
She expressed optimism that the newly launched insurance product would significantly reduce such financial burdens in the future.
Meanwhile, RUSANGANWA Patrice, the head of Muyanza Green Fresh (MUGREF), a cooperative operating in the Muyanza irrigated zone in Rulindo District, said greenhouse farmers have long struggled with fears linked to climate change, especially destructive rainstorms and strong winds. He described the introduction of subsidized insurance as a major breakthrough for the farming community.
RUSANGANWA Patrice, the head of Muyanza Green Fresh (MUGREF), a cooperative operating in the Muyanza irrigated zone in Rulindo district
“When insurance comes with government support, it greatly eases farmers’ burdens. The name TEKANA itself carries a deep meaning it gives farmers peace of mind,” he said, while encouraging farmers across the country to embrace the program.
Under the TEKANA URISHINGIWE MUHINZI MWOROZI insurance scheme, farmers affected by agricultural or livestock-related losses can receive compensation of up to 40 percent within a period not exceeding 30 days.
Since the launch of the national agricultural insurance initiative, more than RWF 9 billion has already been paid to farmers and livestock keepers who suffered losses.
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