Are homegarden ecosystems resilient to climate change? An analysis of the adaptation strategies of homegardeners in Sri Lanka
Homegarden ecosystems are considered to be resilient to climatic changes partly due to the use of efficient and effective adaptation strategies by the homegardeners. This study documented the strategies adopted by homegardeners in Sri Lanka and investigated the determinants of the choice of such strategies. Data gathered from household surveys conducted in three selected locations were analysed to achieve the study objectives. About 52% of the homegardeners in all locations were found to be small-scale farmers (<0.5 ha) engaged in semi-subsistence farming over a long period of time. The majority (85%) of them have had their education only up to the primary level. Among the homegardeners, more than 63% in Keeriyagaswewa, 54% in Pethiyagoda and 90% in Siwalakulama have not made any significant changes to the plant, tree and animal composition of homegardens over the past 20 years. A number of adaptation strategies have been used by the homegardeners enabling them to maintain the diversity in the homegarden ecosystem. The changes in planting dates (37%), agronomic practices (39%), use of soil and water conservation measures (41%) and technology (55%) such as use of new varieties and irrigation equipments were the most commonly used adaptation strategies. A considerable variation in the type of adaptation strategies across the households was noted. The results of the probit analysis indicated that the type of employment, age, sex, education level of household head, experience in farming, homegarden size, diversity of homegardens measured by the Shannon Weiner Index (SWI), and perceptions towards climate change significantly influence the decision to adopt a given strategy. The development programs to promote adaptation to climate changes in homegardens should hence be designed taking the above determinants into consideration.
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This works is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors
Weerahewa, J.,Pushpakumara, G.,Silva, P.,Daulagala, C.,Punyawardena, R.,Premalal, S.,Miah, G.,Roy, J.,Jana, S.,Marambe, B.
Publication year
2022
