Laboratory of Biotechnology, Agriculture and Development of Biological Resources, Department of Biosciences, University Félix HOUPHOUËT-BOIGNY, Center of Excellence on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Agriculture, University Félix HOUPHOUËT-BOIGNY, 22 PO Box 582 Abidjan 22, Côte d’Ivoire
In Côte d’Ivoire, tomatoes are among the most widely grown and consumed vegetables. However, tomato production faces several biotic and abiotic constraints. Technical data sheets for good agricultural practices exist and are available. The aim of this study is to examine the agricultural practices of tomato market gardeners. The target population consisted of all market gardeners in the urban and peri-urban area of Korhogo. All urban and peri-urban areas with market garden crops were surveyed. Information on the sociodemographic profile of the market gardeners, the variety of tomato grown and the agricultural practices of the market gardeners surveyed were collected. The results showed a dominance of women (71%) in tomato cultivation. Furthermore, 55% of the market gardeners were between 45 and 50 years old, 80% were not educated and 75.80% had more than 10 years of experience. The variety of tomato grown was mainly the local variety with ribbed fruit. Regarding the choice of land, the establishment of the nursery and the cultivation, the market gardeners had practices similar to good agricultural practices. However, clearing, weeding and irrigation were done manually. In addition, organic fertiliser was used more widely. Chemical control was the only method used. At the end of this study, it appears that the agricultural practices of tomato growers in Korhogo are generally similar to the good agricultural practices recommended by research structures.