On 7 May 2026, Green House Crop Insurance was officially launched during an event held at the headquarters of the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR). The event brought together 123 farmers from all districts of the country, representatives of insurance companies, senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), and the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB).

The launch came as Rwanda continues to advance its target of increasing the area under export-oriented crops by 22.3%, from 79,409 hectares in 2024 to 97,100 hectares by 2029. This ambition is being pursued through the promotion of modern and climate-smart agricultural practices, including greenhouse farming, which is considered highly productive and resilient to climate change, particularly in a context of limited arable land.

Joseph Museruka, Manager of National Agriculture Insurance Scheme, noted that while greenhouse farming presents significant opportunities for increased productivity and improved produces quality, it also requires substantial investment. 

He emphasized that introducing an insurance scheme for it is therefore seen as a critical step in protecting farmers’ investments and strengthening confidence among financial institutions to increase lending to the agricultural sector. 

“This Greenhouse Insurance Policy sets out the terms, conditions, and scope of coverage provided to protect the Insured against loss or damage to greenhouse structures, equipment, and crops resulting from insured perils. The purpose of this policy is to offer financial protection and stability to greenhouse owners and operators by safeguarding their investments against unforeseen events such as fire, storm, hail, accidental damage, and other risks as specified herein,” he said.

The new Green House Crop Insurance is implemented under the National Agriculture Insurance Scheme known as “Tekana Urishingiwe Muhinzi Mworozi.” Under this scheme, the Government of Rwanda subsidizes 40% of the insurance premium, while farmers contribute the remaining 60%. Since its introduction, the programme has expanded nationwide and continues to support more than 200,000 farmers annually through subsidized insurance coverage.

Compensation payments under the programme have reached RWF 9,392,461,332, of which RWF 5,260,214,761 was paid to crop farmers and RWF 4,132,246,571 to livestock farmers. In addition, the Government has provided insurance subsidies amounting to RWF 7,025,436,179.

The programme was developed in line with the country’s Strategic Plan for Agriculture Transformation (PSTA). Since its official launch on 23 April 2019, it has been implemented across all districts of the country. It currently covers a wide range of crops, including rice, maize, beans, chili, potatoes, cassava, soybeans, and vegetables, as well as greenhouse farming. On the livestock side, it covers cattle, poultry, fish, and pigs.

The programme has played a key role in cushioning farmers and livestock keepers against losses, improving access to agricultural credit by increasing confidence among financial institutions, and promoting more professional and secure farming practices.

The initiative is implemented through a partnership between the Government of Rwanda and insurance companies, including Old Mutual, Radiant Insurance, Sonarwa General Insurance, and BK Insurance. The government oversees implementation, supports awareness campaigns, and ensures timely and fair compensation for beneficiaries. Farmers continue to contribute 60% of the insurance premium, while government covers 40% as a subsidy.

Farmers and livestock keepers are urged to fully utilize the opportunity provided by the programme and to ensure proper care of their agricultural investments. Local leaders and stakeholders are also called upon to continue sensitizing communities about the benefits of the scheme and to support its effective implementation. 

It is advised that insurance coverage should always be secured prior to the commencement of farming activities in order to effectively safeguard agricultural investments and support sustainable agricultural development.

END.