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By Christophe Uwizeyimana
Gatsibo District, one of the most densely populated areas in Rwanda, relies heavily on agriculture and livestock farming. However, for years, many farmers have suffered major losses due to pests, drought, and the growing effects of climate change.
After decades of hardship, a new chapter has begun for these farmers through the National Agriculture Insurance Scheme (NAIS), lknown as “Tekana Urishingiwe Muhinzi–Mworozi.”
This government-supported program provides 40% insurance subsidies to farmers and livestock keepers, protecting them against losses caused by natural disasters and other farming risks.
From Loss to Hope
For 63-year-old Emmanuel Nzaganzwa, from Ryabakame Village, Nyabicwamba Cell in Gatsibo Sector, farming has been a lifelong struggle.
He recalls losing almost everything over the years due to droughts and pests.
“I have been a farmer since the 1980s, but for more than 30 years, I harvested little to nothing. It was all losses,” he said. “Since I joined Tekana, I finally feel secure. Even at my age, I now farm with confidence. The best things have come late in my life, but I’m grateful.”
Nzaganzwa explained that before the insurance program, his cooperative once lost an entire maize harvest to extreme heat, a devastating experience.
“Everything dried up. We lost everything,” he recalled. “But when we joined Tekana, it happened again, the sun dried everything, but at this time, we were compensated. Personally, I received Rwf 5,000 even though my loss wasn’t so big.”
From Awareness to Action
Consolee Musabyimana, from Marimba Cell in Kabarore Sector, said she only learned about the Tekana program after the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), SPIU, the Ministry of Agriculture (MINAGRI) team visited her community in partnership with Gatsibo District.
“I used to hear about it on the radio but never understood it,” she said. “When the officials came and explained the benefits clearly, I realized how important it is. I’m now ready to insure all my crops.”
Similarly, Agnes Nyiranzayino, from Gitoki Sector, said pests had destroyed her crops repeatedly, and she had always felt helpless.
“We face soil pests like ‘Iminyorogoto’ that eat beans, soybeans, and maize underground,” she said. “After hearing the explanations from local leaders, I decided to join Tekana because I see how it can save me from future losses.”
District Leadership Encourages Farmers
According to Gatsibo District Mayor, Richard Gasana, community understanding is key to increasing participation.
“We organize cooperative meetings where farmers who have been compensated share their testimonies,” he said. “We also hold forums with livestock keepers so that others can learn from real experiences and be motivated to join.”
The district continues to expand awareness campaigns with support from national partners.
Current Coverage in Gatsibo District
- 1,200 hectares of rice insured and all affected farmers were compensated.
- 167 hectares of maize and 14 hectares of beans are insured.
- 1,492 cows insured out of 70,000 across the district.
- 79 pigs and 400 chickens also insured.
The insurance coverage for a single cow can reach up to Rwf 2 million, and compensation is processed within seven days once a verified loss report is received.
National Commitment to Climate Resilience
The Government of Rwanda has reaffirmed its commitment to helping farmers withstand the impacts of climate change. Under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), the government aims to increase agriculture-related loans from 6% to 10% by 2029 and strengthen insurance accessibility.
Through Tekana, the government pays 40% of the premium, while farmers contribute 60%. Currently, the program covers eight key crops; rice, maize, Irish potatoes, cassava, soybeans, beans, peas, and chili as well as livestock including cows, pigs, chickens, and fish.
Each year, around 189,734 farmers and livestock keepers benefit from the scheme, representing about 6% of all farmers in Rwanda.
So far, the scheme has paid out over Rwf 8.1 billion in compensation for losses caused by climate-related disasters, including Rwf 3.5 billion in livestock and Rwf 4.6 billion in crops.
The government has already contributed more than Rwf 5.9 billion in subsidies to support farmers’ insurance premiums.
A Path Toward Sustainable Farming
Officials from MINAGRI and RAB continue to encourage all farmers and livestock keepers across Rwanda to take advantage of this opportunity.
“Climate change is here to stay,” said one MINAGRI official. “The best way to secure our livelihoods is through resilience and Tekana is one of the most effective tools to protect farmers from unpredictable losses.”
For farmers in Gatsibo like Nzaganzwa, Musabyimana, and Nyiranzayino, this insurance is more than a financial product it’s a lifeline. It offers hope, peace of mind, and a chance to farm without fear of losing everything to forces beyond their control.
Photos:
Photo:After learning about the Tekana insurance program during a community outreac by RAB trough its single project implementation unit (SPIU) and MINAGRI, farmer Consolee Musabyimana from Kabarore Sector decided to insure all her crops for the first time.
Photo:After learning about the Tekana insurance program during a community outreach by RAB and MINAGRI, farmer Consolee Musabyimana from Kabarore Sector decided to insure all her crops for the first time.
Photo:After years of losing her beans, maize, and soybeans to soil pests, farmer Agnes Nyiranzayino from Gitoki Sector decided to join the Tekana insurance program to safeguard her harvests
Photo:A livestock keeper in Gatsibo District says joining the Tekana insurance program early has protected him from losses caused by livestock diseases
Photo:Residents of Gitoki Sector in Gatsibo District attend a Tekana insurance awareness campaign organized by RAB trough its single project implementation unit (SPIU)
Photo:Gatsibo District Mayor Richard Gasana emphasizes that community awareness is key to increasing participation in the “Tekana Urishingiwe Muhinzi-Mworozi” program. The district continues to expand campaigns with support from national partners
Photo:Farmers from Gatsibo District attend a community awareness session on the “Tekana Urishingiwe Muhinzi-Mworozi” program, which aims to protect their crops and livestock against climate-related losses.
Photo :Gatsibo District Mayor Richard Gasana meets with journalists from various media houses in Rwanda to discuss the “Tekana Urishingiwe Muhinzi-Mworozi” program and its impact on local farmers
