Ndyeshumba, Pitio 
  
THE USE OF REMOTE SENSING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT 
ASSESSMENT AND DETERMINATION OF THE AREA AFFECTED BY 
REFUGEES IN NGARA DISTRICT NORTH WESTERN TANZANIA. 
Pitio NDYESHUMBA 
Natural resources Development Planning Programme - Ngara, 
P.O.Box 30, Fax/Phone: 255-066-22547 
Ngara,Tanzania 
Working Group VII/2 
KEY WORDS: Refugee crisis, Degradation, Impact, Rehabilitation, Remote sensing, 
Analysis. 
ABSTRACT: 
A multi-temporal satellite data along with other collateral information have been used 
to assess and monitor the environmental changes experienced by the area severely 
affected by refugees influx in Ngara district which is bordering Rwanda and Burundi 
countries. Since 1994 approximately 800000 refugees settled in the Ngara district 
refugee camps which covers the area of a radius of 10 to 15 km circular area around 
the camps, causing adverse environmental hazards which include, deforestation, soil 
erosion and water pollution. It was found that Musuhura, Rumasi, Lukole and Benako 
camps with their surrounding area covering 95000 ha, helped significantly in 
registering the deforested area in the watersheds. The environmental Impact 
Assessment (EIA) studies suggest that the forest loss which occurred during the 
period of 4 years has reduced forest regeneration for 35%, indicating that a deforested 
area will require at least a couple of years to rejuvenate within the respective camps. 
The analysis of the remote sensed data form the basis for planning for containing 
environmental impact and sustainable natural resources development planing 
strategies. The results of the use of satellite imagery shows the effectiveness, cost 
reduction and due to the use of the technique and especially greater accuracy and 
reliability. 
1.INTRODUCTION: 
In 1994, more than 100000 Rwandan refugees started to settle in large refugee camps 
in Ngara district, North-western Tanzania. Different camps were opened in the 
district. These camps have had considerable impact on the environment of the area. 
As a result the higher number of refugees, concentrated in a few area causing severe 
strain on the natural vegetation, soils and wildlife. 
The immediate and enormous needs of wood by the refugees for fuel and construction 
of shelters as well as their use of grass in a big quantities especially for roofing have 
had a dramatic impact on the vegetation as a consequence arose the problem of 
deforestation. 
A direct result from the refugee presence are signs of an increasing process of land 
degradation. The area around the refugee camps are virtually devoid of wood 
vegetation and there are signs of considerable soil erosion. 
2.0BJECTIVES: 
  
International Archives of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Vol. XXXIII, Part B7. Amsterdam 2000. 
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