INDIGENOUS MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES IN BANGLADESH HOMEGARDENS

Abstract

ABSTRACT Indigenous management techniques of traditional homegardens in four regions in Bangladesh were investigated with reference to marginal (> 0.02–0.08 ha), small (> 0.08–0.14 ha), medium (> 0.14–0. 20 ha) and large (> 0.20 ha) farm categories. Eighty homegardens (five from each farm category in each of the four regions) were assessed. Farmers' knowledge about different aspects of homegarden management is broadly comparable with scientific knowledge. Farmers used various types of planting materials such as seed, seedling, rhizome, sucker and cutting to regenerate homegardens, with more than three-quarters of the required planting materials derived from the homegardens. Mother trees were selected for fruit species only. Three sizes of seedlings (> 45 cm, 45–90 cm and > 90 cm) were recognised by farmers and medium sized seedlings (45–90 cm) were regarded as best for all sites. Regional traditions in growing certain species in particular locations of the homegarden on the basis of water and nutrient req...