Assessing the Impact of Flooding on Livelihoods in Kamonyi District, Rwanda

The general objective of the study was to investigate the impact of flooding on the livelihood of the Community in Kamonyi District. The Specific objectives were: to establish the causes of flooding, to assess the occurrence and intensity of flooding, to evaluate the livelihood of the community of Kamonyi District, to investigate the effect of flooding on biodiversity and to examine the coping mechanism. This study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The targeted population for this study included 838 farmers and 6 local leaders. However, given that this population was huge, sampling was conducted of this target population. The simple random sampling was applied in the selection of respondents from the farmers who use this marshland in cultivation, whereby 75 respondents were used as a sample and the Purposive sampling was used to select local leaders. Both primary and secondary data were used. Data collection methods included questionnaires, interview schedules and document review. In relation to the first specific objectives, Table 6 indicates that massive rainfall was identified as a major cause of flooding, accounting for 44.94%. Hydrological changes were also reported as a contributing factor at 14.50%. It is important for farmers to understand and follow advice given by local leaders regarding flood prevention in their cultivation areas. The sector officer in charge of agriculture must ensure that tools reserved for the development of modern agriculture are effectively utilised with proper distribution and allocation of resources