Researchers focusing on modern technologies like remote sensing and multi-temporal satellite imagery to monitor and quantify land use/land cover changes often overlook communities’ local and indigenous knowledge, even though these communities are the ones who directly interact with and have long histories with riparian resources. Recognizing this gap, an investigation into riparian land-use/land-cover change using local and indigenous knowledge was conducted, with the Rwizi catchment as a case study. Guided by the Drivers-Pressures-State-Impact-Responses (DPSIR) framework, this study: (1) evaluated riparian land use/land cover from the perspective of local and indigenous communities, (2) assessed the state, drivers, and pressures influencing riparian land use/land cover change, and (3) examined the impacts and responses related to riparian land use/land cover change. Using a mixed-methods approach, including household surveys and village transect walks, the study uncovered a concerning trend of degradation driven by socio-economic and demographic factors. The findings highlight the importance of addressing poverty, population growth, and competing land uses to protect these ecosystems. Local and indigenous communities provide valuable insights and traditional knowledge that can guide riparian management and conservation efforts. The study emphasizes the need for inclusive governance, community-driven initiatives, and collaborative approaches to balance human needs with environmental conservation. These findings have significant implications for policy and practice, underscoring the importance of integrating local and indigenous knowledge and promoting sustainable land-use practices to ensure the long-term health of riparian ecosystems in the Rwizi catchment.