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By Christophe Uwizeyimana
For years, farmers and livestock keepers in Kayonza District have endured heavy losses caused by recurring droughts, floods, and animal diseases. Many reached a point of despair, with some even considering abandoning agriculture and livestock rearing altogether. However, hope is being restored through the government-backed insurance program known as “Tekana Urishingiwe Muhinzi–Mworozi”.
District authorities say this initiative aims to protect farmers against climate-related losses and encourage them to practice agriculture with confidence. The insurance scheme compensates farmers and livestock keepers who suffer losses due to natural disasters or diseases.
Farmers in Kayonza Express Confidence in “Tekana Urishingiwe Muhinzi–Mworozi” Insurance Scheme
Mukamana Agnes, the president of KOAISORWA Cooperative, which cultivates maize and soybeans in Rwakabare Marshland, Murundi Sector, says the program has brought a lasting solution to their challenges.
“When ‘Tekana’ was first introduced, we didn’t take it seriously. Some thought it was just another way for the government to collect money from citizens,” she admitted. “But we later changed our mindset and joined the scheme in 2024, insuring about 30 hectares of maize for Rwf 936,218. Previously, when floods destroyed our soybean farm, we suffered major losses because we had no insurance.
After joining Tekana, strong winds damaged part of our maize crop, but we were compensated Rwf 740,000. This program is excellent. The government truly cares for its people, and I encourage all farmers to enroll,” she added.
Livestock Farmers Find Stability
Nsengiyumva Mark, a poultry farmer from Nyagatovu Cell in Mukarange Sector, says he now runs his business with peace of mind, knowing his 1,523 chickens are insured.
“I joined after learning about how other farmers raising pigs were compensated when diseases killed their animals. Today, I work confidently knowing my business is protected, even if something happens, I won’t lose everything,” he said. “The government even subsidizes 40% of the insurance cost. It’s a great relief.”
Insurance Brings Peace of Mind to Crop Farmers
Nyandwi Theoneste, a maize and soybean farmer from Rucaca Marshland in Murundi Sector, recalls the fear he used to feel whenever drought struck before joining the insurance program in 2020. “Before, when the sun dried our crops, I would worry day and night because I knew there would be no harvest and no money left,” he said.
“In 2024, heavy rains flooded our 9 hectares of maize, but thanks to Tekana, we were compensated Rwf 294,640, covering the losses. Before, we would lose up to Rwf 280,000 without any recovery. This program has really helped us. I encourage others still hesitating to join it’s worth it.”
District Authorities Urge Wider Participation
Kayonza District Mayor John Bosco Nyemazi confirmed that farmers who have joined the scheme now operate more securely, though the participation rate remains relatively low. He says the district is working with various partners to raise awareness among farmers and livestock keepers about the benefits of the program.
“Kayonza is frequently affected by disasters such as droughts, floods, and livestock diseases. For example, poultry can easily be wiped out by outbreaks like ‘Muraramo’disease. Cattle face diseases such as ‘Uburenge and Rift Valley fever, while crops are often attacked by pests and diseases like ‘Kirabiranya’ or maize stalk borers,” he explained. “That’s why we encourage everyone to take insurance. It’s about being prepared and protecting your livelihood.”
Insurance Coverage Expanding in Kayonza
Gradually, as awareness grows, more crops and animals are being insured across the district.
- In 2024, out of 400 hectares of maize, 221 hectares were insured. The district aims to reach 400 hectares insured by 2025.
- For rice, out of 2,000 hectares, 1,235 hectares were insured in 2024, with full coverage targeted for 2025.
- Plans are also underway to insure 10 hectares each of beans and chili, and 5 hectares of green beans by 2025.
- In the livestock sector, 1,056 cattle were insured in 2024, with a target of 1,168 cattle in 2025.
Kayonza District says it remains committed to expanding agricultural and livestock insurance coverage to strengthen the resilience and security of farmers and livestock keepers in the district. Related story you can also read:https://theforefrontmagazine.com/national-agriculture-insurance-scheme-the-answer-to-rwandan-farmers-challenges/
Photos:
Photo:Kayonza Farmers and Livestock Keepers Regain Hope Through Agriculture Insurance Scheme
Photo: Farmers inspire one another to join the agricultural insurance program
Photo: Mukamana Agnes, president of KOASORWA Cooperative in Kayonza District, says the Tekana insurance program has restored farmers’ confidence after years of losses caused by floods and harsh weather
Photo:Nsengiyumva Mark, a poultry farmer from Nyagatovu Cell, Mukarange Sector, Kayonza District, says the Tekana insurance scheme gives him peace of mind, knowing his 1,523 chickens are protected against losses
Photo: All 1,523 of Nsengiyumva Mark’s chickens are insured under the Tekana program, a decision he says has brought stability and confidence to his poultry business in Kayonza District
Photo:Nyandwi Theoneste, a maize and soybean farmer from Rucaca Marshland, Murundi Sector, says the Tekana insurance program helped him recover from crop losses caused by floods and drought, providing much-needed financial security
Photo: Kayonza District says it remains committed to expanding agricultural and livestock insurance coverage to strengthen the resilience and security of farmers and livestock keepers in the district
