Inventory and land diagnosis in the province of North Kivu. Environmental and ecological theme as part of the INCLUSIVE TRANSITION FOR DEVELOPMENT (TRIDE) project IN EASTERN CONGO

The study carried out in the province of North Kivu is part of the land governance reforms undertaken in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the implementation ofProvincial Land Intervention Strategies (SPIF)aligned with theNational Land Policy Document (DPFN). It was conducted as part of the programTRIDE, implemented by ZOA, with technical support from Congo Initiative – Université Chrétienne Bilingue. The main objective was to analyze theecological and environmental component of the land sector, notably the interactions between land management, environmental sustainability and the challenges linked to climate change in the localities of Kashenda and Bishange (Bahunde chiefdom, Masisi territory).

The study adopted amixed methodological approach, combining qualitative (interviews, focus groups) and quantitative (household survey) methods. A sample of approximately200 householdswas selected from a population of more than 70,000 inhabitants. The data was collected usingKoboCollectand analyzed with software such asSTATA and NVIVO, while relying on a documentary review of existing legal and policy frameworks.

The results show that the localities studied facesevere environmental degradation, mainly linked to soil erosion, deforestation, overexploitation of agricultural land and mining. Soil and water pollution are widely reported by local populations, while deforestation and unsustainable agricultural practices worsen the loss of soil fertility and reduction in biodiversity. Mining activities also contribute to water contamination and ecosystem degradation.

The study also reveals apoor knowledge of land and environmental policiesby local communities, as well as limited implementation of these policies on the ground. Although the populations recognize the relevance of existing political frameworks, their application remains insufficient due to the lack of institutional monitoring, informal mining, non-compliance with environmental obligations by certain operators and the context of insecurity in the region.

In conclusion, the study highlights the need tostrengthen land governance and the integration of environmental considerations, notably through better community awareness, stricter control of mining and agricultural activities, as well as increased involvement of local populations, women and young people in sustainable land and natural resource management processes.