Prominence of the Home Garden: A Study of Bogawantalawa South Grama Niladhari Division, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Home garden is an integral part of local food systems in developing countries. It has a longstanding practice among the Sri Lanka for centuries. The main objective of this study is to analyze environmental and socio economic importance of home gardens in Bogawantalawa South Grama Niladhari Division (GND), Nuwara Eliya. The data was obtained from the primary and secondary sources. The questionnaire survey was designed to collect primary data from thirty households according to simple random sampling techniques. Field observation was conducted to identify the core dimensions of environmental importance. Collected primary data have been analyzed through an Excel spreadsheet and summarized the quantitative data using descriptive and quantitative analysis methods. Qualitative methods of content analysis were also carried out. As key findings, environmental importance of the upcountry home garden of the study area have been addressed. Conserving biodiversity and conservation of diverse plants,preventing the environment from chemical, habitats for animals and other beneficial organisms and reduced soil erosion and maintenance of landraces. The important socio economic importance are generation of employment opportunities and income, food and nutrient security of families, created a relaxing environment, improving health and preserving indigenous knowledge. In addition to this, this study identifies the challenges of the home garden and gives some recommendations to keep the sustainability in home garden.