Assessing The Impact of Flooding on Agricultural Livelihood in Rwanda: A Case Study of Musanze District
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53819/81018102t2609Abstract
Flooding is a major natural hazard affecting agricultural livelihoods in Musanze District, Rwanda, where agriculture provides food and income for most households. This study assessed the causes of flooding, agricultural production patterns, effects on livelihoods, and the relationship between flooding and livelihood difficulties. A descriptive and correlational research design using quantitative and qualitative approaches was employed. Data were collected from 399 respondents across seven sectors through questionnaires, interviews, observations, and documentary review. Findings showed that heavy rainfall on volcanic slopes was the leading cause of flooding (48.7%), followed by steep mountainous terrain (18.5%), poor agricultural practices and deforestation (15.1%), and high population density and settlement in flood-prone areas (8.2%). Most floods occurred during the March–May rainy season (58.1%). Irish potatoes dominated agricultural production and were the most affected crop, representing 75.7% of the total damaged area. Flooding caused significant livelihood challenges: 84.1% of households experienced food shortages, 78.9% lost agricultural income, and 62.5% incurred debt. Regression analysis indicated a very strong positive relationship between flooding and agricultural livelihood difficulties (R = 0.885, R² = 0.783, p = 0.046), with flooding explaining 78.3% of the variation in livelihood challenges. The study recommends stronger flood management infrastructure, improved early warning systems, climate-smart agriculture, and further research on long-term climate change impacts and mitigation effectiveness.
Keywords: Agricultural livelihood, Climate change, Disaster risk, Flood impact, Flood vulnerability, Flooding, Rural livelihoods. Top of Form
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