Rusizi Farmers Encouraged to Protect Crops and Livestock Through Insurance
Rwanda Strengthens Agricultural Resilience as Farmers Embrace “Tekana Urishingiwe Muhinzi Mworozi” Insurance Program in Rusizi
Farmers and livestock keepers in Rusizi District gathered on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, for a large-scale awareness campaign aimed at promoting the Government’s agricultural and livestock insurance scheme (NAIS), known as “Tekana Urishingiwe Muhinzi Mworozi,” as authorities and stakeholders highlighted its growing impact in protecting farmers from climate and disease-related losses.
The campaign was jointly organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources through the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board in its Single Project Implementation Unit (RAB/SPIU), in collaboration with the Western Province and Rusizi district.
Participants were sensitized on how the insurance scheme operates and how it supports farmers and livestock keepers in recovering from losses caused by disasters, diseases, and other unforeseen risks. Beneficiaries also shared real-life testimonies demonstrating how the program has helped them recover after suffering significant losses.
Speaking at the event, project manager of TEKANA URISHINGIWE MUHINZI MWOROZI, MUSERUKA Joseph explained that the program has significantly reduced agricultural risks across the country.
“Since the program began in 2019, steady progress has been recorded. Each year, around 50,000 cattle, over 15,000 pigs, nearly 400,000 chickens, and more than 32,000 hectares of crops are insured.”
He further noted that more than 200,000 farmers and livestock keepers participate annually, contributing over RWF 17 billion in insurance premiums, while around RWF 9.5 billion has already been paid out in compensation to affected farmers. He encouraged farmers to fully embrace insurance, emphasizing that disasters are unpredictable.
The Mayor of Rusizi District, SINDAYIHEBA Phanuel, stressed that the Government introduced the program to help farmers and livestock keepers reduce losses caused by disasters, diseases, and climate change.
“Rusizi is a district where agriculture and livestock farming are highly practiced. Our goal is to professionalize these activities. Farmers have often suffered losses due to climate shocks, which sometimes discouraged them. Insurance is key in restoring their confidence.” He stated
He also assured participants of improved service delivery and timely compensation, addressing concerns about delays in payments, and urged more farmers to join the scheme.
MUKAYITESI Beatha, a farmer and livestock keeper from Nyakarenzo Sector, Rusambu Cell, said that being enrolled in cattle and pig insurance has helped her recover from previous losses.
“I had a pig that died and I was assisted. At that time, I was with Radiant. There was a fellow farmer I worked with who advised me to insure her pregnant cow. That cow gave birth, and one day later it died. What pleased us most was that she was compensated on time.” She spoke
She called on responsible institutions to continue maintaining timely compensation practices.
Another farmer, NTIRENGANYA Jean Baptiste, explained that he initially insured only a few cattle as a trial. After the death of one cow, he was compensated, which convinced him to insure all his livestock.
“I have not been in livestock farming for long, but I had 16 cows. When I first heard about insurance, I decided to start by insuring only 4 cows to see how it works. After six months, one cow died. I informed the insurance company and I was compensated. I was very happy to receive compensation for my cow, so I decided to insure all the remaining cows.” He empasized
He further encouraged other livestock keepers to adopt insurance for their animals.
MUTABARUKA Emmanuel, representative of the KIVU SITE fish farming cooperative in Nkombo Sector, said that before adopting insurance, farmers suffered major losses.
“If you do not understand insurance, you suffer losses. For people who farm fish in water, there is a problem of sea disturbances, and the fish end up being destroyed. We also learned that other livestock farmers in general face losses without recovering their money. We decided to join insurance so that when we face losses, we can be assisted.” He spoke
He added that farmers should not wait until they experience losses before ensuring their assets, emphasizing that insurance has become essential for sustainable farming.
Currently, compensation for verified claims is processed within 30 days, according to program guidelines.
The insurance scheme covers a wide range of crops including maize, rice, potatoes, beans, soybeans, chili, and cassava, as well as livestock such as cattle, pigs, chickens, and fish farming activities.
Recently, greenhouse farming has also been included, covering greenhouse structures, equipment, crops, harvested produce, and related agricultural assets.
Overall, stakeholders emphasized that the program continues to strengthen resilience, protect investments, and promote sustainable agriculture across Rwanda.
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