Dynamics of Homegarden Structure and Function in Kerala, India

Abstract

Homegardens in Kerala have long been important multi-purpose agroforestry systems that combine ecological and socioeconomical sustainability. However, traditional homegardens are subject to different conversion processes linked to socioeconomic changes. These dynamics were studied in a survey of 30 homegardens. On the basis of a cluster analysis of tree/shrub species density and subsequent further grouping using homegarden size as additional characteristic, six homegarden types were differentiated. These were assessed regarding structural, functional, management and dynamics characteristics. Four development stages of homegardens were found along a gradient from traditional to modern homegardens. Fifty percent of the homegardens still displayed traditional features, whereas 33% incorporated modern practices. The process of modernisation includes a decrease of the tree/shrub diversity, a gradual concentration on a limited number of cash-crop species, an increase of ornamental plants, a gradual homogenization of homegarden structure and an increased use of external inputs. One homegarden was characterised as an adapted traditional homegarden combining multispecies composition and intensive management practices using internal inputs with commercial production. In comparison to modern homegardens, this homegarden type offers an example of an alternative development path in adapting homegardens to changing socioeconomic conditions. The study of structural and functional dynamics of homegardens offers the opportunity to understand the trends in socio-economic sustainability and how these relate to ecological sustainability.

Composición florística e importancia socioeconómica de los huertos familiares del Ejido La Encrucijada, Cárdenas, Tabasco

“…The abundance of the registered uses indicated the traditional characteristics of home orchards (Abdoellah et al, 2006) by reporting mainly medicinal ornamentals, fruits and medicinal, noting that commercial orchards dominate plant and ornamental. Ornamental dominance could reflect the active participation of women to introduce and experiment in home orchards, so it is said to be a women's space (Chávez, 2011), although home orchards are located along roads or paths fulfilling the role of beautifying home (Blankaert et al, 2004;Peyre et al, 2006).…”

“…La abundancia de los usos registrados indicó la característica tradicional de los huertos familiares (Abdoellah et al, 2006) al reportar principalmente las especies ornamentales, frutales y medicinales, y señalaron que los huertos comerciales dominan los vegetales y ornamentales. La dominancia de ornamentales pudo reflejar la activa participación de las mujeres para introducir e experimentar en los huertos familiares, por lo cual se dice que es un espacio de la mujer (Chávez, 2011), aunque también los huertos familiares al ubicarse a lo largo de las carreteras o vías de acceso cumplieron el papel de embellecer la vivienda (Blankaert et al, 2004;Peyre et al, 2006). A partir del conteo de los usos dados por forma biológica y por categoría de uso, los árboles tuvieron 13 usos, principalmente comestible, por lo que su principal función es cubrir las necesidades alimenticias de las familias (Nair, 1985;Fernandes y Nair, 1986;Perera et al, 1991;Kabir y Webb, 2008).…”

“…Además de proporcionar satisfactores y ahorro, los agroecosistemas tradicionales como el huerto familiar también contribuye a la seguridad alimentaria y juegan un importante papel en la conservación de la biodiversidad y agrobiodiversidad de las comunidades rurales (Pulami y Paudel, 2004;Sthapit et al, 2004;Subedi et al, 2004;Peyre et al, 2006) así como a la productividad, por lo que Kabir y Webb, 2008;Henry et al, 2009y Huai y Hamilton, 2009 From counting the uses given by biological form and category of use, trees had 13 applications, mostly edible, so its main function is to meet food needs of the families (Nair, 1985;Fernandes and Nair, 1986;Perera et al, 1991;Kabir and Webb, 2008). The functions of traditional home orchards are given from a high diversity, climatic conditions, property size, structural arrangement, plant density, management practices and species composition, which vary at local or regional level (Pulami and Paudel, 2004;Sthapit et al, 2004;Abdoellah et al, 2006).…”

Floristics and structure of southwestern Bangladesh homegardens

“…Asian homegardens (Karyono 1981;Perera and Rajapaksae 1991;Millat-e-Mustafa et al 1996;Gajaseni and Gajaseni 1999;Shastri et al 2002;Trinh et al 2003;Kehlenbeck and Maass 2004;Das and Das 2005;Peyre et al 2006). These species are attractive globally because they provide multipleuse options, quick production of edible crops, income-generating opportunities and availability of planting materials (Rico-Gray et al 1990;Kumar and Nair 2004;Albuquerque et al 2005;Nair and Kumar 2006).…”

“…International Journal of Biodiversity Science and Management 4 (2008) [54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64] Homegardening is a traditional agroforestry system where a clearly bounded piece of land immediately surrounding the dwelling house is cultivated with a mixture of perennials and annuals, usually in association with livestock. Homegardens may be characterized by diverse composition, complex structure and multiple functions (Karyono 1981;Fernandes and Nair 1986;Rico-Grey et al 1990;Wojtkowski 1993;Price and Campbell 1998;Mendez et al 2001;Ceccolini 2002;Blanckaert et al 2004;Kehlenbeck and Maass 2004;Wiersum 2004;Albuquerque et al 2005;Hemp 2006; Peyre et al 2006;Pandey et al 2007). They provide a yearround supply of household subsistence needs, income opportunities, social and environmental stability, and religious and ceremonial values from their various plant components (Christanty 1990;Soemarwoto and Conway 1992;Abdoellah et al 2001).…”