Rwanda extends agricultural insurance to greenhouse farmers to boost climate resilience

By The Inspirer.

The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB) has launched a new insurance scheme targeting farmers operating greenhouse systems, aiming to protect high-value horticultural investments from climate-related losses.

The initiative, unveiled in Kigali under the government’s Tekana Urishingiwe Muhinzi Mworozi programme, marks the first time greenhouse farming is formally included in Rwanda’s crop insurance framework.

Since 2019, the national agricultural insurance scheme has covered selected crops such as rice, maize, beans, potatoes, cassava, soybeans, and vegetables, alongside livestock including poultry, fish, and pigs. However, greenhouse farming—despite its growing role in export-oriented agriculture—had not been part of the coverage.

RAB officials say the expansion responds to long-standing requests from farmers who invest heavily in protected agriculture but remain exposed to extreme weather events such as strong winds, storms, and heavy rains.

Greenhouse farming is increasingly seen as a high-return model due to its ability to produce high yields on small plots while reducing pest and disease risks. However, the cost of setup remains high, with some structures requiring investments of up to 40 million Rwandan francs.

Farmers say losses from weather damage have previously discouraged investment. In several cases, windstorms have destroyed greenhouse structures and crops nearing harvest, resulting in significant financial setbacks.

Under the new arrangement, farmers will be able to insure crops grown in greenhouses, the structures themselves, irrigation equipment, and related transport risks. The scheme maintains the existing cost-sharing model, where farmers contribute 60% of premiums while the government covers 40%.

RAB says the inclusion of greenhouse farming aligns with national agricultural transformation targets for 2024–2029, which aim to expand export-oriented crop production land from 79,000 to 97,000 hectares.

Since its launch, the Tekana Urishingiwe programme has supported more than 200,000 farmers annually. Government figures show that over 9.3 billion Rwandan francs have been paid out in compensation to farmers and livestock keepers, backed by more than 7 billion francs in state subsidies.

Farmers and cooperative leaders have welcomed the development, saying it will reduce investment risks and encourage more youth and commercial farmers to enter greenhouse agriculture.