Climate Change and Conflict in the Ruzizi Plain (DRC)

Mushagalusa Mudinga, Emery [UCL] Muzalia, Godefrois [GEC-SH (ISP Bukavu)] Musamba, Josaphat [GEC-SH (ISP Bukavu)] Mulumeoderhwa Polepole, Patient [UCL] Van Acker, Tomas [UGent]

This report discusses the way in which climate change effects play out locally in South Kivu’s Ruzizi Plain, and how they interact with, add to, or alter existing conflict dynamics in this territory. It has found that both sudden onset climate change impacts, such as flooding, and slow onset impacts, such as drought and changing vegetation patterns, aggravate livelihood vulnerabilities and existing tensions over resources within Ruzizi Plain communities.