Scientific basis of household practices in agroforestry homegardens: A case study in Matara district, Sri Lanka
Agroforestry in homegardens with high diversity of species which play main agro-ecological roles are complex and sustainable land use systems. Efforts are being made across the globe in valuing and protecting the age-old practices of agroforestry on scientific basis in homegardens. This study analysed the scientific basis of households’ practices in agroforestry homegardens in Matara district of Sri Lanka and develop strategies for the promotion of sustainable agroforestry homegardens. Selected households were interviewed measuring their concern using five point Likert scale, and analysed the qualitative data using non-parametric statistics. The study revealed that scientific basis of household practices in agroforestry homegardens are moderate in selection of appropriate trees and plants, and management of trees and plant health care. Households pay little concern on scientific basis in planning and site placement, land preparation and establishment of trees / crops, and implementing proper cultural practices. There is no significant correlation between scientific basis of practices in agroforestry in relation with size of home-gardens, educational level of households, and across the category of their occupations. Resources to use scientific knowledge in practice, and opportunity to improve scientific skills have moderate correlation significantly while availability of scientific information and access to scientific knowledge have significant but low correlation as applying knowledge on scientific basis by the households. The interest to acquire scientific knowledge, and sufficient time to improve scientific knowledge, and other reasons have no significant correlation with scientific basis of household practices. Carefully planned interventions including policy adjustments and effective extension programs for learning and experimenting couple with supportive programs would enhance scientific basis of household practices for agroforestry in homegardens. Key words: homegarden composition; plants selection; health-care management; resources use; agroforestry policy ID: 3620081
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| Format: | Article biblioteca |
| Language: | English |
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FAO ;
2022
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| Online Access: | https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/CC1273EN http://www.fao.org/3/cc1273en/cc1273en.pdf |
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