Examining the impact of refugee influx on natural resources sustainability and host community relations in Rwanda (2010-2026)

Rwanda hosts over 130,000 refugees, primarily from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi, with more than 90% residing in camps such as Mahama. This study examines the environmental and socio-economic impacts of refugee influx on host communities in Kirehe District and Mahama Refugee Camp between 2010 and 2026. A convergent parallel mixed-methods approach combined surveys of 450 respondents (250 host community members, 200 refugees), 38 qualitative interviews, and GIS/Remote Sensing analysis of land cover changes. Results indicate that refugee households consume 25% more firewood than host communities, contributing to deforestation (forest cover loss of 34%) and cropland reduction (17%). Settlement areas doubled (+100%) following the camp establishment, and soil erosion was reported as high by 78% of refugees versus 65% of host members. Econometric analysis revealed that refugee presence significantly increased firewood consumption (coefficient = 18.5, p < 0.01) and was strongly associated with forest loss (coefficient = -0.65, p = 0.001) and land pressure (coefficient = 12.3, p < 0.01). Socially, moderate resource-based conflicts were reported by 50% of host community members and 48% of refugees, while collaborative environmental projects enhanced cohesion. The study addresses a critical research gap by integrating long-term environmental, socio-economic, and spatial analyses, providing both quantitative and qualitative evidence of refugee impacts on natural resources and host community relations, a perspective often missing in prior studies. Scientific contributions include developing a methodological framework combining GIS, surveys, and econometric modeling to assess human-environment interactions in refugee-hosting areas. Policy implications emphasize promoting sustainable land management, renewable energy adoption, water conservation, inclusive economic integration, and conflict mitigation strategies to balance humanitarian support with ecological sustainability.