The Impact of Mining Activities on Land Use and Land Cover Change in Rwamagana District, the Case of Muhazi Sector, Rwanda

The main purpose of this study was to examine the impacts of mining activities on land use and land cover in Rwamagana District. Thus, this study is guided by specific objectives that are; to analyze the spatial and temporal LULC change induced by mining activities from 2000 up to 2020 in the study area, to examine the impact of mining activities and operations on different identified LULC types and to assess the community perceptions on the impacts of mining activities and land use and cover in the study area. Primary and secondary sources were involved in the data collection process, these include field observations, satellite image and focus group discussion with communities. The research design integrates quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a comprehensive assessment. Geographic Information System (GIS) technology was used to analyze spatial data, mapping spatio-temporal LULC conditions before and after mining activities. The land use/cover classes were classified as tree-covered, grassland and sparse, wetland, water body, and built ups, The most notable changes occurred in grassland & sparse areas, which experienced a significant gain of 1241 ha, resulting in a net change of 1163 ha reflecting a 460.7% net increase. Conversely, tree-covered areas suffered a substantial loss of 609 ha especially in the southern edge where mining activities are undertaken, resulting in a net change of -422 ha, representing a 59.3% decrease. Cropland also experienced a considerable gross loss of 1305 ha, mitigated by a gain of 467 ha, resulting in a net change of -838 ha, representing a 19.8% decrease. Wetlands exhibited a gross loss of 71 ha, with a minor gain of 22 ha, resulting in a net change of -49 ha, representing a 65.8% decrease. Water bodies, on the other hand, experienced a net gain of 43 ha, showing an 8.5% increase. Built-up areas experienced no gross loss and a gain of 104 ha, resulting in a 100% net increase. These changes illustrate the dynamic shifts in land cover within Muhazi sector, reflecting a variety of environmental and anthropogenic influences over the two- decade period. Practical regulations and policies for the rehabilitation of the damaged environment are not sensitized. Therefore, the enforcement of policies and guidance to rehabilitate the degraded environment should be considered while developing professionalism mining with modern equipment.Top of Form Keywords: Mining activities, LULC, MMB, Muhazi, GIS, Satellite image.