Farmers’ credit access in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Empirical evidence from youth tomato farmers in Ruzizi plain in South Kivu

This article assesses the opinions of youth tomato growers on accessibility agricultural credit and factors that influence in Democratic Republic Congo (DRC). Data originated from a household survey for 2019/2020 farming season. We interviewed 218 6 horticulture production zones South-Kivu, eastern DRC. The result reveals low rate 20.6% accessing among growers. topmost nature received was cash-based, mostly informal sources finance (92.7%). findings reveal lack information credit, fear default, absence Microfinance Institutions study areas were highest-ranking hindering services. Our probit model shows total income, gender, growers’ membership cooperative essential explain probability credit. recommend formalising system by improving agri-finance extension service delivery to associations young access use microcredit services effectively enhance production, which is proxy rural employment creation poverty reduction.