An evaluation of the structure and function of tropical homegardens
Homegardens represent land use systems involving deliberate management of multipurpose trees and shrubs in intimate association with annual and perennial agricultural crops and, invariably, livestock, within the compounds of individual houses, the whole crop-tree-animal unit being intensively managed by family labour. Known by different names in various places, these agroforestry systems are common in all ecological regions of the tropics and subtropics, especially in humid lowlands with high population density.An analysis of the structural and functional aspects of ten selected homegarden systems from different ecological and geographical regions shows that the average size of the homegarden units is less than 0·5 ha; yet they are composed of a large number of woody and herbaceous species, carefully structured to form 3–5 vertical canopy strata, with each component having a specific place, as well as function.Food production is the primary function of most homegardens, the vast majority of them being subsistence production systems. While there is a remarkable similarity among the different homegardens with respect to the type and nature of the herbaceous crops, the nature of woody perennials varies, depending on environmental and ecological factors. In general, most woody components produce fruits or other types of food in addition to other outputs such as fuelwood, timber, etc. These various food products provide a substantial proportion of nutritive and energy requirements of the local diet. Moreover, the species diversity and varying production cycles of the different components ensure continuous production throughout the year from the homegarden unit.Little or no research has been done to improve homegarden systems. Structural complexity, species diversity, multiple output nature, tremendous variability from farm to farm, etc., are some of the main characteristics that make the homegardens extremely difficult models to work with according to the currently available research procedures.
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Authors
Fernandes, E.C.M.,Nair P V R
Publication year
1986
