Typology and technical efficiency of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) production systems in Walungu Territory, South Kivu (Eastern DR Congo)

In the Walungu territory (Eastern DRC), the cultivation of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) represents an important source of income and food security, yet it is characterized by low productivity and considerable heterogeneity in production systems. This study aimed to characterize producers, assess their technical performance, identify varietal selection criteria, and analyze the SWOT shaping the value chain. The study was conducted among 96 producers across four community groups (Lukube, Karhongo, Kamisimbi, Kashozi) combining field surveys and participatory interviews. Results indicate that producers cluster in three distinct groups with contrasting production levels and efficiency, with an overall mean yield of 6.9 t ha-1. The first group (51.0%) cultivates small plots below 0.15 ha and records the lowest yields, while the second group (33.3%) shows intermediate performance associated with improved irrigation management. The third group (15.6%) farms plot larger than 0.3 ha and achieves the highest yields, exceeding 10 t ha-1. Key determinants of yield include cultivated area, quantity sold, farming experience, and irrigation frequency, whereas varietal choice is primarily based on yield, availability, and disease resistance. The SWOT analysis highlights strengths related to local demand and available labor, weaknesses associated with limited inputs and infrastructure, opportunities linked to food security initiatives, and threats dominated by climate change. These findings underscore the need to enhance technical efficiency and strengthen value chain organization to achieve sustainable cabbage production in Walungu. Sustainable improvement of the cabbage value chain in Walungu therefore relies on enhancing the technical efficiency of the least productive farmers, improving input management, reinforcing market access, and strategically exploiting identified opportunities.