Assessment of Agricultural Practices and Socio-Economic Challenges in Urban Market Gardening: A Case Study of Yopougon, Ivory Coast

Abstract

Urban and peri-urban agriculture is a fundamental pillar of food security and local economic development in Côte d'Ivoire, particularly in the municipality of Yopougon, where market gardening plays a central role despite significant land, technical, and health constraints. This study aimed to identify the main market gardening production sites, characterize cultivation practices, and assess the associated socio-economic and health challenges. A comprehensive survey was conducted with 132 producers and 88 traders spread across 18 sites covering eight areas of Yopougon. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, direct observation, and advanced statistical tools, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for the multidimensional exploration of variables and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for comparing means between groups. The results show a predominance of women (56.06%), mostly married (93.18%), with low levels of education, cultivating small plots (100 to 500 m²) with a workforce comprised primarily of family members. Access to land remains precarious, characterized by squatting (37.88%) and renting (32.58%), while irrigation remains mainly manual (88.63%). Fertilization and pesticide use practices, relying on the intensive use of chemical inputs (100%), expose producers and consumers to significant health risks. The observed monthly incomes (25,000 to 40,000 FCFA) reflect limited profitability given the arduous nature of the work. The study recommends the implementation of integrated local policies focused on land tenure security, strengthening technical capacities, and promoting sustainable, resilient, and economically viable urban agriculture.