GIKONGORO

prfecture (Kinyarwanda prefegitura), southwestern Rwanda, Central Africa, bordering Burundi (south) and the Rwandan prfectures of Kibuye and Gitarama (north), Cyangugu (west), and Butare (east). Most of Gikongoro's area of 845 sq mi (2,190 sq km) lies in the mountainous watershed of the Congo and Nile river systems, where elevations vary from 6,600 ft to more than 8,200 ft (2,000 m to 2,500 m). Three main tributaries of the Nyabarongo River drain the prfecture northward. The climate is cool and humid, with abundant (4755 in. [1,2001,400 mm] annually) rainfall. The land supports cattle grazing and the growing of sweet potatoes, bananas, potatoes, sorghum, tea, and beans. Gikongoro's administrative headquarters are in Gikongoro town, which has road links with the neighbouring provincial headquarters of Butare and Cyangugu. Pop. (1978 prelim.) 369,891.