Soil and water conservation practices and soil erosion intensity in the Lake Kivu Basin, Democratic Republic of Congo

This study was carried out with the following objectives (i) to identify existing soil and water conservation practices, and (ii) develop a soil erosion hazard model for the Lake Kivu basin. The identification of existing soil and water conservation practices was done through crosssectional household survey, key-informants interviews and focus group discussions. Soil erosion hazard map was developed using the calibrated RUSLE model. The model was calibrated using runoff plot experimental data. The major soil and water conservation practices in the Lake Kivu included: mulch under banana, agroforestry, contour bunds, Tithonia and Tripsacum under annuals. Soil loss is moderate with severe to extreme levels observed around the highland slopes and in the southern part of the City of Bukavu. There is need to intensify sustainable soil and water conservation practices to further reduce soil loss in the area.