Human-Induced Pressure on the Lake Kivu Shoreline Ecosystem: Evidence from Karongi District, Rwanda

Freshwater shoreline ecosystems are increasingly threatened by human activities that compromise their ecological integrity and the ecosystem services they provide. This study assessed human-induced pressure on the Lake Kivu shoreline ecosystem in Karongi District, Rwanda, with the aim of identifying the dominant anthropogenic activities, evaluating their effects on shoreline environmental conditions and water quality, and proposing sustainable management strategies. A mixed-methods research design was employed, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected from 120 randomly selected household respondents across four shoreline sectors using structured questionnaires, complemented by key informant interviews, field observations, water quality assessment, and Geographic Information System (GIS)-based land use and land cover (LULC) analysis. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. Spatial data were processed using ArcGIS 10.8 and Google Earth Pro. The findings revealed that agricultural expansion, settlement development, tourism, fishing, sand mining, and poor waste management were the principal human activities exerting pressure on the shoreline ecosystem. Spatial analysis demonstrated progressive expansion of built-up areas and agricultural land, accompanied by a decline in vegetation cover between 2017 and 2024. Field observations further identified vegetation loss, soil erosion, sediment accumulation, and waste pollution as major indicators of environmental degradation. Water quality assessment showed slightly alkaline pH, moderate turbidity, and nitrate concentrations within recommended guideline values, indicating moderate environmental stress rather than severe pollution. Overall, the study concludes that the Lake Kivu shoreline ecosystem is experiencing cumulative human-induced pressure resulting from interacting land-use changes and shoreline activities. The study recommends strengthening shoreline protection, promoting sustainable land-use practices, improving waste management systems, and enhancing environmental monitoring and community participation to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Lake Kivu shoreline ecosystem.