The expansion of local resources is one of the greatest challenges to food security in Africa. Among these, the pulp of the R. sese De Wild fruit is practically considered an important staple food in certain communities. The objective of this study is to assess consumption patterns, sociodemographic indicators, and perceptions of this pulp in the city of Kikwit. A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 320 households selected through stratified sampling. We collected data using a face-to-face questionnaire and analyzed the collected data using descriptive and inferential statistics. Statistical analyses showed that most respondents were over 30 years old (90.3%) and female (72.8%). The fruit in question is known to the majority of respondents (88.8%) and is consumed by most of them (87.2%); nearly half of the respondents (47.5%) consume it regularly. The pulp is primarily used as food (95%), but also as medicine (90%) and for cultural reasons, including in the production of traditional wine (70%). The main reasons for consumption include regulating blood sugar levels (88.8%), treating hepatitis (34.4%), and treating spleen disorders (31.6%). Data from statistical analyses revealed statistically significant correlations between knowledge of and consumption of the pulp under study and several sociodemographic variables such as gender, educational level, occupation, and household size (p < 0.05). Statistics show as well as that the likelihood of consuming this pulp is 12.37 times higher among patients with spleen disorders and 5.2 times higher among patients with diabetes. In summary, the pulp under study represents an important local food resource known for its use and cultural significance. Nevertheless, its nutritional properties remain unexplored. Its promotion could contribute to improving food and nutritional security in urban areas.
