*4.1.2 Karongi characterization*

Karongi 12 and 13 sites are located in Rubengera, Rugabano and Mukura sectors of Karongi district. They respectively cover 651.3 and 226.2 hectares (**Figure 14**). The two sites fall in the moist mid-highland agro-climatic zone, which of great potential for agriculture. The altitude varies from 1940 to 2160 m in the catchment while slope gradient ranges from 4 to 71% across the catchment [19, 22]. The dominance of hilly topographic features in the area coupled with soil susceptibility accelerates erosion, thus land-husbandry in this watershed was crucially essential.

According to Rwanda Meteo Agency (RMA), the annual rainfall of the area is around 1300 mm, also expressing two wet seasons from September to December and March to June, respectively. Mean annual temperature is more or less than 18 °C. Although the area does not express the rainfall drought with 10% higher than annual potential evapo-transpiration, shortage of rainy seasons and problems of dry spells drastically affect crop growth. Thus, it requires additional supply of water through irrigation.

The soils are deep with soil depth greater than 50 cm covering more than 90%. Soil types are *Humic Acrisols and Cambisols* on the hillside while in the valley

#### **Figure 14.**

*Location of Karongi 12–13 sites illustrating implemented land husbandry infrastructures and administrative sectors. Source: Author.*

*Erosion Control Success Stories and Challenges in the Context of Sustainable Landscape… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96267*

bottom, *Umbric Gleysols* are present. Soils are dominantly medium textured classes (clay loam and sandy clay loam) with potential to hold more water and have relatively good agricultural potential [19, 20].
