Review on Water Resources Management and Key Threats in Rwanda, East Africa

Abstract

Water is important for human health, industry, agriculture and ensuring the integrity and sustainability of the ecosystem. The water resources are the top affected by climate variability and population growth. The current population of Rwanda is about 12 million heading to about 25 million in 2050 under the changing climate, where since 1970 temperature rose by 1.4°C and is predicted that in 2050 to be about 2.5°C with severe effects on water resources in Rwanda. Thereby, this study reviewed the status and causes of water quality problems and suggested appropriate options to undertake for sustainable water resources access, employ and management in Rwanda. It was noticed that among others, the key threats to water quality in Rwanda, include not limited to climate change causing rainfall patterns which generated flooding, landslides and periodic droughts, which loaded pollutants into water. In addition, water quality is jeopardized by the rapid population growth, agrochemicals, industrialization, urbanization, soil steepness and land mismanagement. Accordingly, the reviewed water quality indicate that the water quality pollution likelihood is increasing over time. These facts reveal that the water quality soon or late will be highly polluted and calls for further adaptation and management measures.

Water Physico-Chemical Characteristics of the Lakes Burera and Ruhondo, Rwanda

“…In addition to the mentioned causes of the water quality changes, climate change is another factor accelerating the change in water quality (Bondarenko et al, 2019). Like in other parts of the world, pollution from human activities is also a threat to water bodies in Rwanda, especially lakes (Mukanyandwi et al, 2018).…”

Physicochemical Quality of Water and Health Risks Associated with the Consumption of the Extant African Lung Fish (<i>Protopterus annectens</i>) from Nyabarongo and Nyabugogo Rivers, Rwanda

“…It shares common frontiers with Uganda to the North, Burundi to the South, Tanzania to the East and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to the West. Like other East African countries, Rwanda is relatively rich in water resources (Figure 1) [5]. The current study was done in Nyabarongo (Nyawarungu) and Nyabugogo rivers which form part of the Rwandese drainage system.…”

“…World population registered a sharp increase to about 6.08 billion in 2000 following the industrial revolution and is expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 [4]. The current population of Rwanda stands at 12 million (population density of 470.6 people per km 2 ) and is expected to double by 2050 [5]. This implies that the country is densely populated in comparison to other East African countries [6,7].…”

The contribution of weather forecast information to agriculture, water, and energy sectors in East and West Africa: A systematic review

“…For example, in Uganda, the impact of climate change on seasonal rainfall is projected to be more significant compared to variations in annual rainfall (Kisakye and Van der Bruggen, 2018). In addition, rapid population growth, usage of agrochemicals, industrialization, urbanization, soil steepness, and land-use and cover changes threaten water quality (Mukanyandwi et al, 2018). Similarly, West Africa is dependent on rain-fed agriculture and already prone to extreme weather events such as floods and droughts.…”