As part of efforts to strengthen climate-resilient agriculture and livestock farming, Rwanda’s Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), through the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), in partnership with the Western Province, has launched an awareness campaign for the government-supported crop and livestock insurance scheme known as “Tekana – Insured Farmer and Livestock Keeper.”
The campaign was rolled out in the districts of Karongi, Rutsiro, Nyamasheke, and Rusizi, where farmers and livestock keepers are being sensitized on the importance of insuring crops and animals in order to protect themselves from losses caused by natural disasters and diseases.
Over the years, disasters such as floods, drought, and livestock diseases have caused severe losses to farmers and livestock keepers, leaving many struggling to recover and rebuild their livelihoods. The “Tekana” program was introduced as a long-term solution aimed at restoring confidence and ensuring continuity in agricultural and livestock activities.
Under the scheme, the Government of Rwanda subsidizes 40% of the insurance premium, while farmers and livestock keepers contribute the remaining 60%. This support has made agricultural insurance more accessible, particularly to small-scale farmers.
Statistics from the Tekana program indicate that more than 200,000 farmers benefit from the subsidized insurance every year. In addition, over Rwf 9.3 billion has already been paid out in compensation to farmers and livestock keepers affected by disasters or diseases.
In Rusizi District, several farmers and livestock keepers say that before joining the scheme, they often suffered devastating losses that pushed them backward economically. They explain that farming and livestock keeping are now activities they carry out with greater confidence, knowing that support is available in times of crisis.
Elias Nkeshimana, a poultry farmer from Gashonga Sector in Rusizi District, said he only understood the value of insurance after experiencing a major loss.
“I once raised more than 1,500 chickens, but a fire broke out and destroyed all of them. At the time, I was not insured, and the loss discouraged me greatly. Later, I joined the Tekana program. When one of my cows fell sick and died, I was compensated because it was insured. That support helped me recover and continue livestock farming with confidence.”
Beata Mukayitesi, a pig farmer from Nyakarenzo Sector, said insurance has given her peace of mind and the courage to expand her livestock business.
“I currently have a pig that gave birth to 15 piglets, and I have no fear because all my livestock is insured. Knowing that support is available in case of any problem gives you confidence and motivates you to think about expanding your farming activities.”
Despite praising the program, some farmers pointed out delays in compensation payments after losses occur. They called on insurance companies to speed up their services so that affected farmers can receive compensation on time.
Phanuel Sindayiheba, the Mayor of Rusizi District said local authorities will continue working closely with insurance providers to ensure that farmers and livestock keepers receive compensation within 30 days, as stipulated in the agreements. He also encouraged farmers to increase the value of the crops and livestock they insure, especially as climate-related risks continue to rise.
“When a farmer or livestock keeper has insurance, they gain the confidence to continue investing and carrying out their activities without fear that any unexpected problem could completely ruin them,” he said.
The “Tekana – Insured Farmer and Livestock Keeper” program covers crops such as maize, rice, beans, potatoes, soybeans, cassava, and chili, as well as livestock including cattle, pigs, poultry, and fish.
Authorities say the initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to modernize agriculture, strengthen farmers’ financial resilience, and build an economy capable of withstanding the effects of climate change. Farmers and livestock keepers are encouraged to continue embracing agricultural insurance in order to secure their livelihoods and achieve sustainable productivity.
