Food insecurity and poverty remain critical challenges in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly in South Kivu, where agricultural productivity is constrained by poor infrastructure, land degradation, climatic variability, and recurrent armed conflict. In the high altitude agroecological zone of Minembwe, these constraints exacerbate food scarcity and limit income-generating opportunities. This study aimed to characterize the organic market gardening sector in this region by analyzing production systems, crop diversity, land tenure patterns, farmers’ perceptions, and the use of agroecological practices, with the broader goal of strengthening food self-sufficiency and economic resilience. Using a combination of descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression, the study identified key socio-demographic, agronomic, and institutional factors influencing farmers’ production strategies. Results show that market gardening is a vital livelihood activity, predominantly relying on family labor due to limited financial resources. Gender participation varies by locality, with men dominating in Kivumu and women more engaged in Rhunundu. Land access mechanisms differ across villages, with rental systems prevalent in Kivumu and inheritance dominating in Rhunundu. While crop diversification is common particularly beans, cabbages, and nightshades; monocropping remains a vulnerability factor due to pest and disease risks. Organic inputs, especially animal manure (used by 71.1% of respondents), are widely adopted due to poor access to synthetic fertilizers. Farmers’ perceptions indicate that the primary objective of production is twofold: ensuring household food security and generating income through local markets. However, limited market access, low purchasing power, and post-harvest losses constrain profitability. Major challenges include pest infestations (up to 97.3% in Rhunundu), climate variability, and limited access to credit and extension services. The study recommends increasing access to affordable inputs and rural credit, strengthening farmer training programs, and promoting climate-smart agriculture. Gender-sensitive land and credit policies are essential to empower women and enhance equity. Investments in integrated pest management, land tenure security, and post-harvest infrastructure are also necessary. If implemented, these interventions could significantly boost the productivity, sustainability, and resilience of market gardening systems in highlands of South Kivu.
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