There is nothing in the whole non-living environment which can be taken intoconsideration as the soil. Truly it is through the soil that the world becomes a friendly environment for mankind. Rwanda's high population coupled with steep slopes, and abundant rainfalls have led to land degradation because of peasantry agriculture. Increased and inappropriate cultivation methods and the livestock activities have led to deforestation and overgrazing which have exposed the soil to serious erosion. Soil erosions main downstream effectsinclude the deposition of sediment and agricultural pollutants into water courses, disturbance of the ecosystems, adulteration of water tables, and wetlands ecosystems. Currently, the Rwandan government is mobilizing its people for erosion control and landmanagement, but the economy of country has been negatively affected due to soil loss. The objective of this research was to determine the man-made causes of soil loss in order to suggest appropriate method to tackle and manage the situation. To achieve this objective, the questionnaires, interviews, photography and observation check lists were applied to collect data, thereafter were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Results indicated that the major anthropogenic sources of soil erosion related to human population activities, politics and economies, technology and culture. Finally, it was observed that the activities of local communities and their participation towards land protection will without doubt decrease soil erosion.
Soil erosion, Anthropogenic, Land degradation, Deforestation, Overgrazing
