Muhanga District administration is encouraging residents to join the government program for agricultural and livestock insurance, as a way of protecting themselves against losses caused by natural disasters and diseases that can severely affect farmers and livestock keepers.
Rice farmers working under the KOKAR Cooperative in Rugeramigozi II marshland say that the program has given them confidence to farm without fear of suffering total losses.
In 2019, the Government of Rwanda launched the national agricultural and livestock insurance program known as “Tekana Urishingiwe Muhinzi Mworozi”, aimed at protecting farmers and livestock keepers from losses caused by factors beyond their control, including livestock diseases, droughts, floods, and other natural disasters.
Residents of Muhanga District say the program has enabled them to farm and rear animals with peace of mind, knowing that they will be compensated in case of losses.
Naftar Nzabihimana, an agronomist at KOKAR Cooperative in Rugeramigozi II marshland, which grows crops including rice, says that in the past farmers worked in fear, but after joining the Tekana Urishingiwe Muhinzi Mworozi program, they now farm with confidence, knowing that even if losses occur, they will receive compensation.
“Before, we used to farm fearing that excessive rainfall or diseases could cause us losses. Today, we are insured and farm calmly because we know that the government and its partners are supporting us. Even if you do not get the expected harvest, at least you can recover what you invested.” He said.
Eugene Iyamuremye, a livestock farmer in Shyogwe Sector who raises pigs and poultry, says many residents are still not fully informed about the program.
“Some people still think it is an additional cost, but once you face a problem and receive compensation, that is when you realize its value. I once had pigs that fell sick while insured, and I was compensated.”
Eric Bizimana, the Vice Mayor of Muhanga District in charge of Economic Development, says the district continues to conduct awareness campaigns aimed at increasing the number of residents who insure their crops and livestock. “Ensuring crops and livestock is a way of preventing losses. We encourage all residents to understand that it is an investment that protects them from economic setbacks.” He added that although challenges still exist, residents are gradually becoming more aware of the importance of the program.
Despite the progress made, the Muhanga District administration notes that the rate of crop and livestock insurance coverage remains low, currently standing at only 20 percent.
Under the National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), the Government of Rwanda plans to invest more than 33.8 billion Rwandan francs in strengthening agricultural and livestock insurance, with the goal of increasing participation and protecting farmers and livestock keepers from losses.
The Muhanga District administration calls on residents to embrace this program as a sustainable solution to challenges affecting agricultural and livestock productivity, in order to achieve lasting economic development.
