The Kaziba chiefdom is part of the Walungu territory, in South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo. It is located at about 55 kilometres from the provincial capital, Bukavu, and covers 192 square kilometres. Surrounded by mountains, the chiefdom is bordered by the Bafuliiru chiefdom (Uvira territory) to the east, the Luhwindja chiefdom (Mwenga territory) to the south, the Ngweshe Chiefdom (Walungu territory) to the north and the Lwindi and Burhinyi chiefdoms (Mwenga territory) to the west. In 2021, its population was estimated at 49,874 (Mukenge et al., 2021). The chiefdom is located within the Mitumba Mountains reaching peaks of up to 3,200 metres above sea level and giving it a particular geographic character. Most people are living in the Luzinzi River Valley and the plateaus located in the north.

This report examines Kaziba’s key social, political, geographic, and economic features. It documents how its relatively small size, geographical isolation and lack of fertile soil have contributed to a high degree of both social cohesion and stability, but also to a lack of economic opportunities and development.

Given the relatively low degree of soil fertility, agricultural production is mainly limited to subsistence farming. The discovery of gold deposits has offered a way out to part of its population but is also triggering competition and conflict between artisanal miners and mining cooperatives.

Methodologically, this report is based on qualitative fieldwork conducted in Kaziba in August and September 2024. Data was gathered through 19 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders including administrators, customary leaders, elected officials, civil society leaders, farmers, artisanal miners, church leaders, etc. To these interviews we added our field observations collected during our research in Kaziba. These observations have contributed to a better understanding of current dynamics and challenges in this chiefdom. In addition, reports and academic articles have been consulted.