Market garden efficiency and farmer empowerment in the urban and peri-Urban area of San Pedro for food security in Côte d'Ivoire

The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of market garden crops in the urban and peri-urban area of San Pedro, Côte d'Ivoire, and to determine their contribution to the empowerment of market gardeners and to food security in the region. The sample was carried out on 50 market gardeners spread over 5 production sites, with a cumulative cultivated area of 16.6 hectares. The results show that thirteen (13) crops are grown, of which four are specifically grown by women, six are specifically grown by men and three are grown jointly by women and men. Short cycles are predominantly managed by women, while long cycles are dominated by men. The best gross margins were observed for eggplant cultivation in periods of scarcity and abundance. The study also revealed constraints linked to market gardening practices, as well as to fertilizer types and use. These results could be useful for improving market gardening practices in the region and boosting food security. This should help public policy-makers to make the right decisions.