Assessing Local Community Awareness and Practices Toward Flood Risk Mitigation in Rwanda: A Case Study of Burera District

Flooding remains a significant hazard in Rwanda, particularly in Burera District, where steep volcanic terrain, intense rainfall, and heavy dependence on agriculture heighten vulnerability. This study examined community-based flood risk mitigation by analyzing local attitudes, indigenous knowledge, and practices. A mixed-methods design was applied, involving 400 household surveys, 17 semi-structured interviews, and five focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Findings indicate moderate flood risk awareness, with mean scores ranging from 2.98 to 3.12. The results showed 233 (58.2%) respondents recognized flooding as a serious problem, 250 (62.5%) reported inadequate information from authorities, and 221 (55.2%) expressed willingness to engage in mitigation efforts. This distribution indicates awareness exists but is constrained by limited institutional communication. Community mitigation practices were uneven, with 200 (50.1%) maintaining drainage systems, while other strategies such as nature-based solutions and early warning systems recorded lower mean scores (2.37–2.81), indicating limited adoption. Furthermore, strong agreement on the awareness–action relationship was observed (means = 3.47–3.77), suggesting communities understand the importance of knowledge in driving action. However, a statistically significant positive relationship (p < 0.05) between awareness and mitigation practices (mean = 2.48, SD = 0.57) confirms that awareness alone is insufficient without resources and institutional support. Keywords: Flood Risk Mitigation, Community Awareness, Community Practices, Disaster Risk Reduction, Burera District, Rwanda.