Geospatial Analysis of Landslide Susceptibility and Its Impact on Community Livelihood in Rwanda, a Case of Nyabihu District

Nyabihu District, located in Rwanda's Western Province, is highly vulnerable to landslides, with many areas susceptible to this hazard. This research aimed to assess the landslide susceptibility in Nyabihu district using geospatial analysis, particularly Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The study focused on the spatial distribution of landslides, their contributing factors, and their impact on the livelihoods of local communities. Landslide susceptibilitymapping was carried out using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), considering nine critical factors: elevation, slope, aspect, curvature, land use/land cover, rainfall, soil texture, proximity to roads, and proximity to rivers. The data used in the analysis was derived from remote sensing imagery, digital elevation models, climate data, and field surveys, offering a comprehensive assessment of landslide-prone zones. The results revealed that Nyabihu is largely dominated by high landslide hazard areas, particularly in the central and southwestern zones, due to steep slopes, loose soil, and high rainfall. Very high hazard zones are concentrated in the west and southeast, likely driven by unstable geology or intensive land use. In contrast, low and very low hazard areas, mainly in the north and some eastern parts, feature flatter, more stable terrain and are safer for development. The study also highlighted that public awareness about landslide risks is limited, with 37.5% of residents lacking knowledge of landslide causes. Furthermore, 35.5% of those surveyed had been displaced due to landslides, and 24% reported damage to infrastructure, including roads, homes, schools, and hospitals, which affect community livelihood.