The Government is continuing to finalise Agricultural Insurance Regulations aimed at strengthening protection for farmers against risks affecting crops, livestock, forestry, and fisheries across the country.
The plan is part of efforts to improve access to insurance services and reduce losses faced by farmers due to climate change, diseases, pests, floods, and droughts.
This was said in Parliament in Dodoma by the Deputy Minister for Finance, Laurent Luswetula (MP), while responding to a question from the Member of Parliament for Ilemela, Kafiti William Kafiti, who wanted to know when the regulations would be completed to help expand insurance coverage for farmers.
Luswetula said the government, through the Ministry of Finance, is carrying out continued research and improvements in the agricultural insurance sector to ensure the system is inclusive and attractive to both local and foreign investors.
He explained that the reforms are looking at the entire agricultural value chain, including crops, livestock, forestry, and fisheries, to ensure farmers get proper protection and quick access to insurance services.
“The government is conducting research on agricultural insurance across the value chain to ensure we have regulations that attract investment and create a friendly environment for farmers to access insurance services easily and quickly,” he said.
The Deputy Minister added that the government wants the regulations to be simple, practical, and friendly to farmers, while also encouraging the private sector to play a bigger role in providing agricultural insurance services.
He said private sector participation will help improve service delivery, expand coverage, and bring innovation in insurance products designed for farmers.
Luswetula also noted that agricultural insurance is becoming more important as climate change continues to affect farming activities, leading to unpredictable weather patterns and increased risks for farmers.
He said the government is committed to ensuring that farmers are protected so they can invest confidently in modern farming methods, improved inputs, and technology without fear of total loss.
According to him, the government is also engaging stakeholders in the insurance sector, including insurance companies, experts, financial institutions, and farmer representatives, to ensure the final regulations reflect real needs on the ground.
He stressed that the government will continue working closely with stakeholders to ensure the system is sustainable and benefits farmers across the country.
Agriculture remains a key sector in Tanzania’s economy, employing millions of people and contributing significantly to food security and national development. However, many farmers still face major risks due to lack of reliable insurance coverage.
The government says the new regulations will help close this gap by making agricultural insurance more accessible, affordable, and effective, especially for smallholder farmers in rural areas.
Once completed, the regulations are expected to strengthen farmer protection, reduce losses, and improve productivity in the agricultural sector.
