Rwanda’s farming community is witnessing a transformative shift thanks to the National Agriculture Insurance Scheme (NAIS), also known as Tekana Urishingiwe Muhinzi Mworozi. Introduced in 2019 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), the scheme is actively addressing farming risks caused by unpredictable natural disasters, pests, and livestock diseases.

The initiative, subsidized by the Rwandan government at 40%, has enabled farmers to access affordable financial services, fostering a reliable credit flow into the agriculture sector. It covers key crops such as rice, maize, beans, cassava, chili, and soybeans, along with livestock including cattle, pigs, poultry, and fish.

Farmers Reap the Benefits of Insurance

Farmers across Rwanda, particularly in the Eastern Province, have shared stories of how NAIS has been a lifeline for their operations:

• Mugiraneza Elissa, a livestock farmer in Nyagatare District, shared how insurance saved his business after losing several cows to accidents and diseases. With 28 of his 30 cows insured, he received compensation that allowed him to recover and continue farming.
• Niyoyita Peace, a pig farmer from Bugesera District, credited livestock insurance for helping her bounce back after a pig epidemic in 2020 claimed hundreds of pigs. She described the scheme as essential for sustaining her business.
• Ignace Munyanziza, a rice farmer in Bugesera District’s Rurambi wetland, recalled devastating floods in 2018 that wiped out his harvest. With insurance, he received Rwf 240,000 in compensation, enabling him to resume farming operations.
• Hadidja Umutesiwase, a poultry farmer in Nyagatare District, emphasized the importance of insurance after registering her vulnerable chickens under the scheme.

Impact on Agricultural Investment

Local leaders have observed a boost in agricultural investment due to the assurance provided by the Tekana scheme. Ntazinda Rongin, head of Agriculture and Natural Resources in Bugesera District, highlighted how insurance has encouraged people to invest without fear of losses from natural disasters or other risks. While the district aims to insure 100% of its cultivated land, current coverage stands at just 2%, largely due to low public awareness.

Significant Financial Achievements

According to Joseph Museruka, Program Manager for NAIS, farmers have paid over Rwf 9 billion into the scheme since its launch, with the government contributing Rwf 3 billion to subsidize insurance products. The scheme has compensated farmers with over Rwf 5.3 billion for losses, benefiting:

• 568,000 crop producers (Rwf 2.85 billion in payouts).
• 95,000 livestock farmers (Rwf 2.45 billion in payouts).

The Road Ahead

Despite its successes, awareness campaigns remain a priority to expand the program’s reach. The National Agriculture Insurance Scheme continues to play a pivotal role in de-risking farming, ensuring financial resilience for farmers, and boosting Rwanda’s agricultural sector amid growing challenges.

Source: TOP AFRICA NEWS