Management of forest ecosystems on riverbanks as a strategy for protecting the resources of the Mweso River

The Mweso River flows into Oso, which supplies water to the Lowa River, one of the major tributaries of the Congo River. It crosses three territories in the DRC: Rutshuru, Masisi, and Walikale. Over a distance of approximately 72 km from its source, the Mweso River supplies water to around 15 villages with a total population of approximately 700,000, who depend on it for washing dishes, doing laundry, fishing, and other household needs. On its banks, the Mweso River feeds the food crops of local populations, who benefit from the moisture provided by this ecosystem. It flows through a forest area threatened by food crops. The river is fed by several tributaries in the forest area it flows through. Examples include the Luholu River and other small streams that feed into the Mweso River. The reduction of these forest areas on the banks of the Mweso River is leading to the disappearance of its tributaries, increased evapotranspiration at the river level, and a significant reduction in the river’s flow. In addition, the techniques used by farmers on its banks pollute the river and impact water quality and aquatic fauna. It is imperative that this wetland be managed effectively to prevent water loss, biodiversity loss, and pollution of the river.

Through this project, SAD International proposes to establish ecological agroforestry crops and barricade simple food crops that are growing, where trees will be combined with cocoa plants, a shade-loving plant. This will preserve the forest areas along the banks of the Mweso River, its flow, and its bed, while providing sustainable benefits to the local populations that depend on it. This approach will not only contribute to the socioeconomic development of these populations, but also help maintain the water volume of the Mweso River to feed the Congo River basin.