Author(s) :

Kamosi Zola Blaise, Sansabana Kimvuka Hervé, Konga Moïse Losembe, Kisangala Muke Modeste, Makanzu Imwangana Fils.

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Abstract :

Rainfall-induced erosion is currently a major challenge in several large cities of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It represents a multidimensional natural hazard and a serious environmental threat to ecosystems, with negative socio-economic consequences. This research aims to: (1) quantify the erosion rate in the Lukaya River watershed using the USLE equation, and (2) assess the impact and contribution of individual factors in soil degradation and loss processes. The results obtained from applying the USLE model after spatialization and integration of its variables estimate potential soil losses ranging from 0.24 t/ha/year (minimum) to 50.39 t/ha/year (maximum), with a standard deviation of 19.12 t/ha/year and an average of 14.85 t/ha/year. These losses are more pronounced in hilly areas (slope >20%) and in populated zones of the Lukaya watershed. The key factors accelerating rainfall erosion are slope, rainfall erosivity, vegetation cover, and unsustainable land-use practices.

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