Assessment of the Socio-Economic and Environmental Impacts of Resettlement Programs on Relocated Communities in Bugesera and Ngoma Districts: A Case Study of the Ngoma-Ramiro Road Project
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t2568Abstract
This study assessed the socio-economic and environmental impacts of the Ngoma–Ramiro Road Project resettlement in Bugesera and Ngoma Districts, Rwanda. Using a mixed-methods design, data were collected from 227 respondents in Gashora, Rukumberi, Sake, Gashanda, Kazo, and Kibungo sectors through questionnaires, interviews, field observations, and document review. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS and qualitative data thematically. Findings show mixed outcomes of resettlement. About 68% of respondents reported improved housing conditions, and 64% experienced better access to water, sanitation, roads, education, and healthcare. However, 92.1% did not receive livelihood restoration support, while 57% reported inadequate compensation. In addition, 61% experienced declining income and employment, and 54% reported reduced access to farmland and natural resources, affecting food security and agricultural productivity. Environmental outcomes were also mixed, with 59% reporting improved sanitation and settlement safety, while 46% noted challenges such as soil erosion, drainage problems, and land degradation. The study concludes that although physical living conditions improved, livelihood restoration remained weak, requiring stronger compensation systems, effective livelihood support, environmental planning, and long-term monitoring to ensure sustainable resettlement outcomes.
Keywords: Environmental impacts, compensation, infrastructure development, livelihood restoration, socio-economic impacts, resettlement, and Rwanda. Top of Form
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