Edouard Bamporiki encourages his fellow farmers to enroll in the NAIS

The National Agriculture Insurance Scheme (NAIS) known as “Tekana Urishingiwe Muhinzi–Mworozi” has gained strong momentum across Rwanda’s Eastern Province, fueled by powerful testimonies from farmers and livestock keepers who have witnessed firsthand how agricultural insurance protects them from devastating losses caused by unexpected disasters.

Organized by Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) through its Single Project Implementation Unit (SPIU), the NAIS mobilization campaign ran from 20th to 24th October 2025. The move aims to sensitize and encourage farmers to insure their crops and livestock under the national agriculture insurance scheme, helping them safeguard their livelihoods against climate- and disease-related risks.

Launching the campaign, Dr. Solange Uwituze, Acting Director General of RAB, emphasized that the National Agriculture Insurance Scheme is one of the key strategies enabling farmers to manage risks and recover quickly after disasters.

“Insurance helps farmers recover from climate and disease related losses, builds confidence, and facilitates access to credit since insured crops and livestock can serve as collateral,” she noted. “Insured farmers are trusted farmers.”

Throughout the mobilization drive, insured farmers expressed deep satisfaction with the program and encouraged others to join, citing real-life examples of financial recovery and stability. Farmers’ Experiences Inspire New Enrollments

The campaign began in Bugesera District, one of the areas most affected by drought in the Eastern Province. Farmers gathered in Bigaga swamp, Mareba Sector, where they learned more about the scheme and heard inspiring testimonies from peers who have benefited from it.

Mahoro Isaac, a livestock keeper from Nyamata, shared how agricultural insurance transformed his life:

“I used to lose my cows to sudden diseases and start over from nothing,” he said. “Through Tekana, I was compensated 15 million RWF after losing 11 cows. Today, I have insured over 40 cows. I feel secure, and I encourage all livestock keepers to do the same.”

Beatha Ntabanganyimana, President of the IZE MUGEMA Cooperative, which grows maize, rice, beans, soybeans, vegetables, and fruits, also praised the scheme’s impact:“It has really helped us. We no longer suffer the huge losses we used to face before. Previously, when drought struck, we couldn’t harvest anything. Now things are different. For example, in Season B of 2024, we insured over 20 hectares of maize and received 3 million RWF in compensation due to drought. This program is truly beneficial.”

Edouard Bamporiki, a farmer from Bukumba Village, Bushenyi Cell, Mareba Sector, shared a similar success story:

“I keep cows, chickens, and pigs — all insured. In agriculture, I grow rice, chili, and beans, and all are covered. I started with rice insurance in 2020. My harvest failed, but I was compensated. Since then, I’ve continued with the scheme because when you face losses, it really helps you recover.”

Farmers across Bugesera echoed these sentiments, saying that agricultural insurance has renewed their confidence to invest in quality farming without fear of total loss.

Richard Mutabazi, Mayor of Bugesera District, underscored that the agricultural insurance program is essential for the sustainability of both crop and livestock production. However, he noted that some farmers have yet to fully embrace it, mainly because it is still a relatively new concept.

“Our main strategy is to continue sensitizing farmers about the Tekana Urishingiwe Muhinzi–Mworozi program, using testimonies from those who have already benefited,” he said.

In Bugesera District, insurance coverage currently stands at 21% for cattle, 91% for poultry, 97% for pigs, 25% for maize, and about 63% for rice — promising figures that reflect growing trust and participation in the scheme.