Geography

Topic area Physical: Geography
Sub-topic area: Weather and climate
Key unit competence: By the end of this unit, you should be able to investigate the climate and seasons of Rwanda and explain their influence on human activities.
Unit objectives
By the end of this unit, you should be able to:
• Recall the definition of climate.
• Identify the various climatic zones and their characteristics in Rwanda.
• State the factors influencing climate in Rwanda.
 • State the relationship between climate and human activities in Rwanda.
Activity 6.1
Work in pairs.
Using the previous knowledge that you have in Geography;
1. Define climate.
2. Share your findings in class
Climate
 In Senior One, you learnt about the climate of the world. In Senior Four, you are going to study the climate of Rwanda. You defined
climate as the prevailing weather conditions in an area over a long period of time. You also defined weather as the day to day conditions of the atmosphere. Weather and climate are described in terms of temperature, wind, rainfall, moisture, atmospheric pressure, humidity, sunshine and clouds.
Case study
Miss Anne Iragena works in Musanze. In the month of June, she was given leave from her place of work. She was to be on leave for a week. On the day she left, it was raining heavily. She arrived in Kigali at midday and found that it was hot and the sun was shining. She then left Kigali to Gashora. When she got there, she found that the area had turned brown, and the plants had lost their freshness.
 (a) Explain what you learnt from the passage.
 (b) Using the Geographical knowledge you have gained, examine the causes of the variations in the climate of Rwanda.
(c) Explain why areas in Musanze received heavy down pours while at the same time, in Gashora dry conditions prevailed.
 (d) Explain the importance of the different climatic zones to the environment of Rwanda.
(e) Write down your findings to be presented in a class discussion.
Climate refers to the average weather conditions of an area measured and recorded for a long period of time, usually over 35 years. Rwanda has varying climatic conditions. Basing on her latitudinal location, Rwanda should have an equatorial climate. However, its climate is not truly equatorial. The northern and northwestern parts of the country have a temperate climate.
Case study
Nzeyimana Rajab has a friend who lives in the United States of America. He is planning to visit her in Bugesera where she lives. Her friend sent her an email requesting Rajab to send him a description of the climate of Rwanda so that he could know the type of clothes to carry. According to her American friend, he had planned to buy clothes fit for the equatorial climate. Rajab sent him an email explaining to him that the climate of Rwanda was temperate. Her friend was very surprised. He could not understand how an area near the equator could have a temperate climate.
 (a) Explain why Rajab described the climate of Rwanda as temperate yet Rwanda is near the equator.
 (b) Explain the factors that have led to formation of the temperate climate in Rwanda.
 (c) With examples, explain how the climate influenced the choice of clothes for Rajab’s American friend. (d) Examine other ways in which climate influences human activities in Rwanda.
(e) Write down a report of your findings to be presented in a class discussion.
The climate of Rwanda is temperate as opposed to equatorial for the following reasons.
• The relief of Rwanda is dominantly hilly, mountainous and with plateaus. These features have had a direct influence on the temperatures and amount of rainfall received in the country. A good example is the areas in the Northern and Western parts of the country.
• The prevailing winds that blow towards the country carry little or no moisture. This mostly affects parts of the Eastern Province.
 • Rwanda has inadequate forests. The presence of forests assists in keeping the climate equatorial. The absence of dense vegetation in some areas such as in Bugesera has disrupted the hydrological cycle leading to the creation of a semi-arid climatic conditions in the area.
 • Human activities are also directly responsible for the absence of a true equatorial type of climate in Rwanda. These activities include poor farming methods, deforestation, mining and construction and the establishment of settlements due to the increasing population. This has caused great pressure on the land leading to the destruction of vegetation.
• Rwanda has few wetlands and large water bodies which would be supportive to the occurrence of an equatorial type of climate through the hydrological cycle.
Activity 6.2
1. In spite of Rwanda being near the equator, its climate is not truly equatorial. Discuss why this is so.
2. Explain how human activities have contributed to the change of climate of Rwanda.
3. Suggest ways in which the human activities can be managed.
4. Write down your findings to be discussed in a class presentation.
Climatic zones of Rwanda
Activity 6.3
Use the Internet, atlas, Geography textbooks and journals.
1. Find out the climatic regions of Rwanda.
2. Study the climate map of Rwanda.
3. Locate the different climate zones in the country.
 4. Relate these zones to the climate of your local environment.
Due to the differences in altitude, the country can be divided into various climatic regions. They are as follows;
 (a) Lowlands of Eastern Province
 (b) Central plateau
(c) Highlands of Gicumbi
(d) Congo Nile crest and Virunga regions
(e) The plains of Bugarama
(f) The Lake Kivu surroundings
Climatic zones of Rwanda

Each climatic region directly corresponds to a particular physical region. The regions are:
• The Lowlands of the Eastern plateau (800-1000mm)
• The Central plateau (1000-1400mm)
• The Highland areas of Gicumbi, Birunga regions and Congo Nile crest (2400mm)
(a) Lowlands of the Eastern plateau
The Eastern lowland area is one of the hottest areas in Rwanda. It has a mean annual temperature that ranges between 22 - 24°C. The precipitation received in this area ranges between 800-1000mm. However, in some seasons, some parts of this region receive rainfall that is below 800 mm. The high temperatures are mainly due to the absence of dense vegetation due to unreliable rainfall and dry winds.
(b) Central plateau
This climatic region receives rainfall that ranges between 1000 and 1400mm. The mean annual temperature is between 19°C and 20°C. This region receives steady and moderate rainfall which has supported the human activities that take place within the area.
(c) Plains of Bugarama
This climatic region receives rainfall amounts that are below 900mm. However, the region averagely has an annual rainfall of about 1079mm. In this region, the average annual temperature is about 24°C.
(d) The Congo Nile crest and the volcanoes
The Congo Nile crest, the volcanoes and highland areas of Gicumbi, are the coldest areas in Rwanda. The mean annual temperatures here range between 15°C and 18°C. In the North-west areas where the Birunga Mountains are found, the mean annual temperature falls to 12°C. This makes the region adopt a cold climate hence being the coldest part in Rwanda. These areas are mountainous and the relief takes an upper hand in influencing the climatic conditions in the area. The rainfall received here is mainly orographic rainfall (1200 - 1600 mm). It is in this area where the highest rainfall is received - 2200mmmostly around the volcanic areas.
Activity 6. 4
 
4. State any two economic activities that take place in the regions marked. The activities should be influenced by the climate of the specific areas.
 5. Discuss the importance of the activities to the economy of the regions and the country at large.
6. Write down your findings and discuss them in a class presentation.
Activity 6.5
Work in groups.
1. Find out the climatic zone in which the areas where your school and home are located fall under.
 2. Observe the economic activities that take place in the areas around your home and school.
3. Find out the importance of the activities to the local people and to the country.
 4. Write down your findings to be presented in a class discussion.
Factors that influence the climate of Rwanda
Activity 6.6 
Work in groups of three. 1. Describe the characteristics of the climate of the area where your school is located. 2. Compare the climate of your area or province with that of other provinces.
3. Find out the reasons why there are variations in the climate of the different areas and provinces in Rwanda.
4. Write down your findings in your notebook and present them in a class discussion.
Activity 6.7
Use the two photographs shown below to answer the questions that follow.

1. Using the knowledge of geography and photographic interpretation skills, comment on the two photographs above.
2. Describe climate of the areas that are represented by the two photographs.
 3. Explain how one would use the geographical skills to improve on the environment in the first photograph.
 4. Explain the factors that influence the occurrence of the climatic variations experienced in the two different areas represented by the photographs.
The following are the factors that have influenced the climate of Rwanda.
(a) Altitude
Most of Rwanda is of a high altitude. The altitude of the country ranges from between 1000-4500m above sea level. This high altitude is caused by the mountainous terrain of the country. The high altitudes of the mountains and hills of the country greatly influence the climate of the country.
(b) Latitude
The latitudinal location of Rwanda near the equator has an influence on its climatic conditions. The apparent movement of the sun over the equator comes along with heavy rainfall in favour of Rwanda. When the sun’s position is overhead the Tropic of Cancer, Rwanda gets little or no rainfall. This creates dry conditions that are characterised by high temperatures.
(c) Vegetation
The presence of vegetation has had a great impact on the climate of Rwanda. It has contributed a lot to the climatic variations presently witnessed. In areas where there are dense forests such as Nyungwe, Gishwati and Birunga, more rainfall is experienced than in the savanna grassland areas of the Eastern plateau.
(d) Presence of water bodies
The absence of large water bodies in Rwanda has contributed a lot to the occurrence of the type of climate experienced in the country. Water bodies play a great role in the modification of climate where convectional rainfall is created through the hydrological cycle. However, Rwanda has very few water bodies. They therefore have very little influence on the climate of the country. This is because of their sizes and nature. This scenario limits the supply of humidity into the atmosphere. There are some parts of the country where there are no water bodies at all. This has serious implications on the climate of the regions.
(e) Influence of winds
The presence of both local and global winds has a direct influence on the climate of Rwanda. The dry south- east trade winds reach the eastern parts of the country when they are dry. These winds have played a great role in the creation of dry conditions in areas such as Bugesera, Kirehe, Ngoma, and Gisagara.
(f) Human activities
Human activities influence the climate of the country in many ways. Activities such as afforestation, reforestation and agroforestry that aim at conserving and protecting forests, the environment and wetlands influence the climate of the country. The climate has greatly changed and is characterised by heavy rainfall and moderate temperatures. The Eastern Province especially in Bugesera where harsh climatic conditions of prolonged droughts were a common phenomenon is experiencing changes in climate. On the other hand, the reclamation of wetlands and other marshy areas in favour of rice growing and a wide range of agricultural projects, has affected the climate of the country. Some areas which used to have a lot of rainfall receive lower amounts of rainfall. This is because of the lowered water tables that cause decreased rates of evapo-transpiration. The result of this is high temperatures and low rainfall. Examples of reclaimed wetlands are Nyabarongo and Rugezi wetlands.
Activity 6.8
Work in pairs.
 1. Show how the local communities in various parts of the country can protect and conserve the environment to ensure a stable and reliable climate in the country.
2. Discuss the benefits of a stable and reliable climate to the country.
3. Write down your findings and discuss them in a class presentation.
Seasons in Rwanda
Activity 6.9
1. Name the dry and wet seasons of Rwanda.
2. According to your personal experience, describe what happens in the country in the following periods of the year in relation to climatic and weather conditions.
(a) February to the end of May
(b) June up to early September 3. Which human activities take place during the periods listed above?
4. Write down your findings for a class presentation.
Rwanda’s climate is described by her two wet seasons and dry periods. The first wet conditions in the year begin in February to the end of May. This season is locally referred to as itumba. The second rainy season falls within the months of September and December. It is also locally known as umuhindo. There are also two dry seasons of varying lengths in the country. From June to early September, the country experiences the first dry season in the year. This season is locally known as iki. The other dry season is from the month of January to the mid February. This season is locally known as urugaryi.
Task 6.1
1. With specific examples, explain why Rwanda does not have a uniform type of climate.
2. Name the climatic regions of Rwanda.
3. Explain six factors that influence the climate of Rwanda.
The relationship between climate and human activities
Case study
Miss Twine Ishimwe Jeanne, a farmer in Umutara secured a loan from a local microfinance commonly known as Umurenge Sacco. She decided to apply her knowledge of Entrepreneurship Education and invested it in a maize growing project. She intended to make profits from her business. After one month after the planting season, drought set in and her plants dried up before maturing.
1. Using the geographical knowledge you have acquired, how would you advise her to save her project?
2. Identify the causes of this abrupt dry condition in some parts of Rwanda.
 3. Explain ways in which climate influences the activity undertaken by Miss Ishimwe.
 4. Suppose you are appointed the agricultural officer in Miss Twine Ishimwe’s village, design a program that would enable farmers to make their climate favourable.
 5. Write down notes on your findings.
6. Present your findings in a class discussion.
The climate of an area and human activities have a direct link to each other. Below is a description of the relationship between climate and human activities:
• Human activities such as agriculture depend on a good climate. A favourable climate has adequate and reliable rainfall and conducive temperatures. Crops need reliable and well distributed rainfall and ideal temperatures. On the other hand, poor farming methods such as monoculture and overgrazing that affect the environment also affect the climate of an area.
• Fishing as a human activity is also directly influenced by climate. The continued existence of wetlands and other water bodies is supported by the availability of rainfall. The presence of rainfall in a region is also supported by the presence of water bodies in the area. Aquatic animals also need conducive temperatures for their existence. On the other hand, the reclamation of wetlands and swamps by humans in search of land for fish farming and the draining of these areas interrupt the hydrological cycle. Eventually, these activities affect the climate.
• Favourable climates have led to the occurrence and presence of many features such as forests, grasslands, wetlands and water bodies. These features form tourist attraction sites. Humans have immensely invested in tourism as a result of favourable climatic conditions. This mostly happens in areas where the temperatures and sunshine favour sunbathing. On the flip side, tourists who camp in forested areas and in savannahs contribute to the destruction of the environment. Camp fires pollute the air and sometimes are a cause of wildfires. The degraded environment eventually affects the climate of an area.
 • A good climate with reliable rainfall supports mining especially of alluvial mineral deposits. These deposits occur in alluvial soils which come into existence due to the presence of rivers and lakes. However, the mining of minerals such as micro-diamonds leave the environment degraded. This allows global warming; a condition that affects the climate.
• Industrialisation as a human activity is affected by climate and also influences it. Some industries such as agroindustries and water bottling industries depend on a good climate with reliable rainfall. The industries get raw materials from agriculture and water bodies which also directly depend on climate. On other hand, such industries pollute the atmosphere in the areas where they are located. This increases the threat of global warming and its illeffects that affect climate.
• Settlements of all kinds both in rural and urban areas are influenced by climate. Many people prefer staying in areas with favourable climates. This increase in population puts pressure on the resources in the environment. Vices such as deforestation and pollution increase where there is a high population. These pose climatic challenges.
Activity 6. 11
Work in pairs.
1. Find out the relationship that exists between climate and the human activities that take place in the area near your school.
2. Examine and analyse the impact of climate change on agricultural activities in Rwanda.
3. Write down your findings and discuss them in a class presentation.
Did you know?
 • The high altitude of Rwanda provides the country with a pleasant temperate climate, with a mean daily temperature range of less than 2° C.
• Temperatures in Rwanda var y considerably from region to region because of the variations in altitude.
 • Rainfall in Rwanda is heaviest in the northwest and lightest in the east.
• In Kigali, the warmest month is August while the coolest month is May. April is the wettest month while July is the driest month.
• The climate in Rwanda is controlled by the oscillating effects of the InterTropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
End of unit revision task
1. To what extent has climate of Rwanda been influenced by altitude?
2. Explain the differences existing between the climatic characteristics of the Congo Nile crest and the low plateau regions of Rwanda.
3. Describe the impact of climatic characteristics of the Northern Province of Rwanda on the people that live there.
4. Rwanda is a few miles away from the equator, yet her climate is not truly equatorial. Discuss.
5. Giving specific examples, examine the causes of the semi-arid conditions in some parts of Rwanda.
6. Describe the relationship between climate and human activities in Rwanda.
7. Imagine you are appointed to be the Minister for Environment in Rwanda. Explain what you would do to make the climate and environment of Rwanda better than they are today.
8. Draw a sketch map of Rwanda. Identify and describe the various climatic regions of the country.