Tomato farmers in Rwanda are calling for the crop to be included under the government’s agricultural insurance scheme, following research showing that they suffer significant losses each year due to diseases, pests, and climate-related challenges.
This issue was highlighted during discussions held at Serena Hotel in Kigali on October 16, 2025, organized by Pro-Femmes/Twese Hamwe in partnership with AGRA and other stakeholders. The event aimed to find solutions to challenges facing tomato farmers and help them access insurance that protects against losses, under the SERVE project (Supporting and Enhancing Resilient and Viable Employment Opportunities).
Emma-Marie Bugingo, Executive Director of Pro-Femmes/Twese Hamwe, said the day’s meeting demonstrated collaboration in supporting women and youth in development. She stated:
“This project targets youth aged 18 to 35 and empowers an active, working-age group. The goal is to promote the participation of women and youth in economic development.”
Jean Paul Ndagijimana, Director of AGRA-Rwanda, emphasized that agriculture is vital to national development, but farmers face heavy losses due to lack of insurance. He said:
“Over 60% of Rwandans work in agriculture, a sector crucial to both families and the country’s economy. In tomato farming, the crop is exposed to numerous risks that can lead to losses, including natural disasters and diseases.”
Participants at the meeting called on the government to strengthen the National Agriculture Insurance Scheme (NAIS) so that high-value crops such as tomatoes are also covered. They agreed that:
“Including tomatoes in the insurance scheme would reduce farmers’ risks, boost investment in agriculture, and provide new job opportunities for youth.”
The discussions concluded with a recommendation to establish a task force to monitor the implementation of these decisions. This includes integrating tomatoes into NAIS, finding ways to reduce insurance costs, and promoting a cooperative-based general insurance program for farmers.
Tomatoes generate significant foreign exchange for Rwanda
According to CASA (The Commercial Agriculture for Smallholders and Agribusinesses program in Rwanda), annual tomato production in Rwanda reaches 81,000 tons. In the 2023/2024 fiscal year, Rwanda exported over 13.7 million tons of tomatoes, generating $13.8 million in revenue.
Despite strong domestic and international demand, tomatoes are vulnerable to climate change, diseases, and pests. At least 21% of tomato production is lost each year, resulting in financial losses estimated between RWF 6.8 billion and RWF 10.2 billion annually.
Farmers advocate for Tomato Insurance
In interviews with IRIBA NEWS, farmers from Nyabihu, Kirehe, Huye, and Rulindo districts said insurance would help them access credit, increase investment and productivity, and create new jobs in tomato farming.
Dukuzumuremyi Gaudance, from Rugera Sector in Nyabihu District, said: “Tomatoes are often affected by diseases and various disasters, causing losses. If we had insurance, we would feel secure and confident in our farming activities.”
To reduce farmers’ losses, the Rwandan government launched the agricultural and livestock insurance program in 2019. The scheme subsidizes 40% of the insurance premium, while farmers pay the remaining 60%.
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