Abstract:
This study investigates the impact of land use and land cover (LULC) changes on Lake Cyohoha
and their implications for smallholder farmers in Rwanda. Specifically, it examines the driving
factors behind these changes from 2013 to 2023, assesses the extent of the changes, and evaluates
their effects on local farmers. Results indicate that primary drivers of LULC change include
infrastructure and agricultural expansion, influenced by political, economic, technological,
demographic, environmental, and cultural factors.
In 2013, the catchment was predominantly agricultural, covering 60.3% of the area (4,694.9 ha),
while water bodies accounted for 30.3% (2,358.87 ha), residential areas for 8.2% (632.5 ha), and
healthy vegetation for 1.2% (97.5 ha). By 2023, agriculture had increased to 73.5% (5,721.9 ha),
while water bodies and residential areas had decreased, showing substantial transformation. These
findings underscore the need for sustainable LULC practices to support ecological balance and
protect smallholder farmers' livelihoods in the Lake Cyohoha region."
