Author(s) :

Mukendi Tshibangu Michael, Mbale Kunzi Henri, Kahambu Kamabu Déborah, Nzembo Francklin, Mwamba Kalumba Jean-Luc, Kanika Kileshe Daddy, Lukoki Luyeye Félicien.

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Abstract :

The study on the seasonality of fruits sold in Kinshasa markets aimed primarily to determine the successive presence and availability of fruits on stalls in four Kinshasa markets. Surveys and direct observations were conducted over twelve months in 2016 in the following four markets: UPN, Matadi-Kibala, Central,and Liberté, with 200 fruit vendors of both sexes, divided into 50 vendors per market. These observations allowed, firstly, the identification of 33 botanical families, dominated by the Rutaceae ( 4 species) and the Anacardiaceae ( 3 species), and secondly, the presentation of fruit sales during the aforementioned year. Thus , the availability and diversity of fruits in the markets were reflected in the omnipresence of 11 fruit species across three markets (UPN, Central,and Liberté) throughout the year, namely: Ananas comosus, Carica papaya,Citrus lemon, Citrus sinensis, Cocus nucifera, Citrus lanatus, Elais guineesis, Malus communis, Musa sapietum, and Persea Americana. However,22 other fruit species were seasonal, due to their production calendars and ecological origins. In general, the study shows that fruits are abundant and diverse during the rainy season, from October to April, and less numerous and less diverse during the dry season, from May to September. This sufficiently demonstrates that rainfall is a very important factor in plant phenology, as is temperature, with climate balance and can provide information on climate disruption.

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