**2.1 Relief of Rwanda**

The topography of Rwanda constitutes itself, an element of vulnerability. The relief profile of Rwanda is hilly and mountainous with an altitude varying between 900 m and 4507 m above sea level. The components of that relief are: Congo Nile Ridge Overlaying Lake Kivu with an altitude between 2500 m and 3000 m, it is dominated in the Northwest by the volcanic ranges consisting of five volcanic massifs of which the highest is Karisimbi itch 4507 m. The central plateau presents a relief of hills with an altitude ranging between 1500 m and 2000 m. The lowlands of the East are dominated by a depression characterized by hills with a more or less round top and 1000 to 1500 m in altitude. And the lowlands of the South-West in the Bugarama plain with an altitude of 900 m are part of the tectonic depression of the African Rift Valley [6].

### **2.2 Climate of Rwanda**

Rwanda is located in tropical temperature climate due to its high altitude. The average annual temperature ranges between 16°C and 20°C, without significant variations. Rainfall is abundant although it has some irregularities. Winds are generally around 1–3 m/s in the high regions of the Congo Nile ridge, average temperatures ranges between 15°C and 17°C and the rainfall is abundant. The volcanic region has much lower temperatures that can go below 0°C in some places. In areas with intermediary altitude, average temperatures vary between 19°C and 21°C and the average rainfall is around 1000 mm/year. Rainfall is less irregular, and sometimes causes periods of drought. In the lowlands (East and Southeast), temperatures are higher and the extreme can go beyond 30°C in February and July–August. The absolute temperature of 32.8°C was recorded in the Southeast by Karamaplateau station on September 1980. Thermal constraints are more considerable in

*Droughts and Floodings Implications in Agriculture Sector in Rwanda: Consequences of Global... DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.98922*

lowlands than in the remaining parts of the country. Rainfall is also less abundant in that region with around 700-970 mm/year. Rwanda has two rainy periods that are from mid-September to mid-December and from March to May, other periods are characterized by dry seasons [7].

#### **2.3 Population of Rwanda**

Rwanda's population density is the highest in Africa and it is estimated to be 13.11 million in 2021, 17.5% lives in urban centres, while 82.5% lives in rural areas [8]. About 72% of the population that is economically is engaged in agricultural sector [9]. FAO further argues that the majority of people who lives in rural areas relies on agriculture as the main source of income.
