When Immaculee Mukankusi's cow died unexpectedly, she could have faced devastating financial loss. Instead, thanks to Rwanda's innovative agricultural insurance program, she received a cheque for Rwf700,000 after paying just Rwf21,000 in premiums. Now, she's become an enthusiastic advocate, mobilizing other farmers to embrace this life-changing opportunity.

Mukankusi's story represents a growing movement of agricultural resilience in Rwanda, where forward-thinking farmers are discovering the transformative power of crop and livestock insurance. Since the National Agriculture Insurance Scheme launched in April 2019, it has already distributed an impressive Rwf8.8 billion in compensation to farmers affected by extreme weather events, offering them the crucial safety net needed to rebuild and continue farming.

Alex Nizeyimana from Ngoma District exemplifies this success. When unexpected drought turned his farmland into near-desert conditions this season, he wasn't devastated—he was prepared. His farming group had insured 70 hectares of beans, ensuring they'll have the resources to invest in next season's crops. "This means that next season we will have the investment to farm again," he shared with optimism.

The Rwandan government's commitment to supporting farmers shines through its generous subsidy program, covering 40% of insurance premiums. This thoughtful approach makes protection accessible and affordable. For example, a farmer insuring a Rwf1 million cow pays only Rwf33,000 instead of Rwf55,000, while still receiving full compensation if disaster strikes.

The scheme's comprehensive coverage extends across diverse agricultural activities, from poultry and fish farming to crops including maize, rice, potatoes, and greenhouse operations. This inclusivity ensures farmers of all scales can participate and benefit from protection against droughts, floods, hail, and landslides.

One remarkable success story involved farmers in Mwogo Sector's Rurambi wetland, where 600 hectares of crops were destroyed just a week before harvest. Thanks to insurance, these farmers received Rwf292 million in compensation, allowing them to reinvest and continue their agricultural dreams rather than face financial ruin.

Project Manager Joseph Museruka highlights the scheme's critical importance, noting that over 10,000 households were affected by extreme weather between 2020 and 2023. The insurance program has provided them with resilience and hope during challenging times.

While current uptake stands at six percent, this represents tremendous growth potential and opportunity. Farmers like Nizeyimana and Mukankusi are leading the charge, sharing their positive experiences and encouraging neighbors to join them. Their grassroots advocacy, combined with efforts to improve awareness and accessibility, promises to expand this protective umbrella to many more farming families.

The success stories emerging from Rwanda's agricultural insurance scheme demonstrate how innovative policy solutions can empower communities to face climate challenges with confidence. As more farmers discover the peace of mind and financial security that insurance provides, Rwanda is building a more resilient agricultural sector—one protected farm at a time.

With compensation covering everything from Rwf5,000 chickens to multi-million Rwf investments in greenhouse farming, the scheme proves that protecting farmers' livelihoods is both achievable and transformative, offering hope and stability for Rwanda's agricultural future.