Arsene Mushagalusa Balasha^1,, Benjamin B. Murhula², Dédé Mbangu Munahua³

Home gardens are an integral part of urban agriculture as well as a part of local food systems in many cities all over the world. Survey and observations were conducted in January and March 2016 among urban households to determine the home garden sizes, the type of fertilizers used, the crops grown and the resident perceptions of home gardens in the city of Lubumbashi, southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Results showed that 72% of the households owned a home garden with the mean size of 11.5 ± 6.4 m². Crops grown included amaranth, okra, sorrel, sweet potato, corn as well as medicinal plants. All household members participated in gardening works but women played important roles by deciding and selecting the type of vegetables to grow. Home gardening is an expression of identity: - First, it contributes to household food security by providing a direct and permanent access to different type vegetables (83%), responding to the household food traditions.- Second, it strengthens the relationships between families and their neighbors by sharing vegetables. It helps also residents to save money spent for vegetables. -Third, a home garden is perceived as a place whereby agricultural traditions are conserved (14.7%) and where children are introduced to manual work (6.4%). Home gardens generate also few income used as a supplementary on household food budget. Crop intensification and good management can enable residential gardens contribute to food supply in the city of Lubumbashi where the demand for vegetables and fruits is important and increasing.

resident perceptions, home garden, vegetables, food security, Lubumbashi