By Seif Gracien Hasingizwimana/Kigali,Rwanda,
By Seif Shaggy Gracien Hasingizwimana/Kigali, Rwanda
Potato farmers in Rutsiro District say that the TEKANA agricultural and livestock insurance program, “Urishingiwe Muhinzi Mworozi,” has transformed their lives by protecting them from losses caused by disasters such as floods and landslides that damage their crops.
Rutsiro is a district located in the mountainous region of Western Rwanda, which is frequently affected by the impacts of climate change. Farmers there say that in the past, disasters hindered their development and reduced their productivity.
Mutuyimana Florentine, a farmer from Kigeyo Sector who grows potatoes in the Rwambeho marshland, says the TEKANA program has brought development to farmers.
“Previously, we suffered major losses. We could harvest more than 500 kilograms of potatoes, but whenever disasters occurred, all the crops would be washed away by erosion. Now, when a problem occurs, we receive compensation, which helps us improve our livelihoods,” she said.
Mutuyimana says that during the most recent farming season, the Biruye River overflowed and damaged part of the farmland in the 6.5-hectare Rwambeho marshland.
“Normally, we can harvest 18 tonnes per hectare, but recently production dropped to 10 tonnes per hectare. After an assessment conducted by agronomists, we received more than one million Rwandan francs from TEKANA. This has helped us improve our livelihoods and learn better ways to prepare the land before planting, which helps us increase production,” she said.
The Vice Mayor of Rutsiro District in charge of Economic Development, Uwizeyimana Emmanuel, says there is a need to strengthen public awareness about the program.
“TEKANA is a beneficial program for our citizens, but there is still a gap in awareness. Some people do not yet fully understand how it works, and we are putting more effort into ensuring that it reaches all residents,” he said.
Vice Mayor Uwizeyimana says that within one year, Rutsiro District plans to expand the area of insured crops and the number of insured livestock. The district plans to add 140.5 hectares of maize, 109.5 hectares of beans, and 114.5 hectares of potatoes under insurance coverage. In livestock, the target is to add 157 cattle, 26 pigs, and 1,450 chickens.
Joseph Museruka, Head of the TEKANA Program at RAB SPIU, says the program has already demonstrated tangible improvements in the lives of citizens, particularly by protecting farmers and livestock keepers from losses affecting their agricultural production.
“Every year, more than 200,000 farmers benefit from this program. The government pays 40% of the insurance premium, while the farmer contributes 60%. This enables the service to reach many citizens and helps them cope with disasters,” he said.
Joseph Museruka says that compensation paid across the country has so far exceeded RWF 9.39 billion.
“Of this amount, RWF 5.26 billion was paid to farmers, while RWF 4.13 billion was paid to livestock keepers. This demonstrates that the program is delivering positive results at the national level, with the government supporting the initiative through subsidies exceeding RWF 7.02 billion,” he said.
The TEKANA “Urishingiwe Muhinzi Mworozi” program, implemented by the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) through the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), continues to demonstrate its role in protecting farmers and livestock keepers from losses caused by disasters, particularly in districts vulnerable to climate change impacts such as Rutsiro.
Under this program, insurance coverage is provided for dairy cattle, bulls, pigs, chickens, and fish. The insurance covers the life of the animal, and when an insured animal dies, the owner receives compensation, helping livestock keepers recover from losses.
A livestock keeper who wishes to obtain insurance can visit the nearest insurance company branch or contact a sector-level or private veterinarian, who can connect them with insurance providers. They may also call the toll-free number 4127.
Livestock insurance coverage begins on the day the livestock keeper pays the insurance premium and includes a 14-day waiting period. However, if an animal is involved in an accident during that period, the livestock keeper is eligible for compensation.
