Burundi launches its first agriculture insurance product for farmers

BURUNDI – Burundi recorded an important step for its farming community after ACRE Africa and Inkinzo Assurance signed an MOU to start the country’s first agriculture insurance product for farmers.

The move comes at a time when many farmers still work without any financial cushion even though farming remains central to the economy.

Burundi’s farming sector supports more than 80 percent of the population and contributes over 40 percent of GDP. Most farmers grow small plots and depend on seasonal rainfall.

Many do not recover when floods, droughts, or pests affect yields. ACRE Africa and Inkinzo Assurance want to change this by designing affordable and simple insurance products that match local realities. They plan to use digital tools and trusted distribution networks to reach farmers in both remote and busy rural markets.

ACRE Africa’s team spent months preparing the market before the launch. They carried out a feasibility study, trained insurers, government officers, and farming groups, and held sessions on risk management. ACRE Africa noted that these steps helped bring partners together and build confidence.

One project lead said “We are grateful to Inkinzo Assurance and all local partners for their commitment to strengthening farmer resilience in Burundi.”

The insurance sector in Burundi still shows early growth. Fewer than twenty insurers operate in the country, and none offer agriculture insurance. Insurance uptake remains below one percent. ACRE Africa believes this partnership will fill a major gap and set the stage for steady expansion.

Coffee and tea remain the country’s main export crops while maize, beans, bananas, cassava, and rice dominate household consumption. Many families also keep cattle, goats, and poultry as part of mixed farming.

Most farms sit on less than one hectare which limits output. These conditions make farmers more vulnerable to climate shocks and price swings. The new insurance product aims to offer protection that reflects these challenges.

Ongoing national and regional projects

Burundi continues to modernize its farming systems through several projects. The Agriculture and Livestock Value Chains Development Support Project funded by the African Development Bank runs from 2020 to 2027 and seeks to improve food security and build stronger value chains.

Another major program, the Burundi Rwanda Integrated Development Project, launched in May 2025 with a budget of 152 million dollars. It focuses on irrigation, digital tools, and cross border transport to improve trade and raise farm output in both countries.

The government also anchors its goals in Vision Burundi 2025 which looks at better farming practices, rural growth, and poverty reduction.

The launch of the new insurance product marks an important step for farmers who depend on the land for their income and food. The partners expect more farmers to gain trust in insurance as they learn how it works.

One ACRE Africa staff member explained that “This work sets a strong base for responsible growth and long term service to farmers.” They hope this effort will reduce losses, support stability, and help the country move toward stronger and more secure food systems.

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