Author(s)

Mucyo Jean Claude, Nsanzumukiza Vincent Martin^*, Maniragaba Abias, Mukasekuru Francoise, Uwemeye Johnson, Kagame Tonny, Uwera Martine

Department of Environmental Economics and Natural Resources Management, Faculty of Environmental Studies, University of Lay Adventists of Kigali, Kigali, Rwanda.

This study spatially distributed landslide susceptibility and assessed its impact on community livelihoods in Gakenke district of Rwanda. The Global Positioning System (GPS) located recent landslides from which inventory map was built. Six conditioning factors: elevation, slope, land use and land cover, rainfall, soil texture and lithology were analyzed by Geographic Information System (GIS) to map landslide susceptibility. The results showed that Janja, Muzo, Kamubuga, Kivuruga and Muyongwe sector are highly susceptible to landslide. The elevation, slope, poor land management and rainfall are the key drivers to landslide in this area. The findings indicated that the residents are not aware of landslide causal factors due to low level of education and trainings. Also, rain harvest which could minimize the runoff is not yet practiced; this in turn impacts on people’s livelihoods by killing/injuring people, damaging their infrastructures and natural resources. Therefore, it is suggested to empower rainwater harvest, deliver education and training to enhance community awareness, and ensure that the local community is involved in planning and execution of landside risk reduction schedule.

Community, Gakenke District, GIS, Landslide Susceptibility, Livelihoods

Claude, M. , Martin, N. , Abias, M. , Francoise, M. , Johnson, U. , Tonny, K. and Martine, U. (2020) Mapping Landslide Susceptibility and Analyzing Its Impact on Community Livelihoods in Gakenke District, Northern Rwanda. Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, 8, 41-55. doi: 10.4236/gep.2020.85003.