Analysis of nutritional contribution of homegardening.
Dharmasena K. H., Wijeratne M.
Author Affiliation: Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna, Mapalana Kamburupitiya, Sri Lanka.
Tropenlandwirt 97 : 149-158
Abstract : This paper examines the contribution of homegarden products to the food and nutrition of the Sri Lankan's diet. The study was carried out in Mapalana and Radawela, two villages of the Matara district in southern Sri Lanka. Thirty families from each village were randomly selected and information was gathered using a pre-tested questionnaire. Findings indicate: average homegarden size in Mapalana and Radawela of 0.7 and 0.5 acres, respectively. The corresponding monthly average income was Rs 310 and Rs 162. Coconut (Cocos nucifera), jak (Artocarpus heterophyllus), bread fruit (Artocarpus incisa), mango (Mangifera indica), guava (Psidium guajava), banana (Musa sapientum), cloves (Syzygium eugenia caryophyllus), coffee (Coffea spp.) and pepper (Piper nigrum) are the most common perennials found in both villages. As annual crops sweet potato (Ipomeae batatas), manioc (Manihot esculenta), chillies (Capsicum spp.), brinjal (Solanum melongena), and okra (Hemidesmus indicum), are often found in homegardens of both villages. Almost all the homegarden products are for household consumption while major parts of the production of cloves, coffee, and pepper were sent to the local market. At Mapalana, homegarden products claim a share of 12% of the recommended per caput calorie requirement for an average person in Sri Lanka, and 14% in Radawela. Contribution of protein to the daily per caput protein requirement from homegarden products is very low at only about 5.8% and 8.4% at Mapalana and Radawela, respectively. The above calorie and protein supplies come from approximately 50% of the land under homegardens at both villages. Further, cropping intensity of homegardens at Mapalana was 53% and 69% at Radawela. This study demonstrates that there is a potential to increase homegarden food production by launching programmes on technical assistance and effective utilization of existing resources. Efforts should be made to increase the productivity of land because a considerable portion of land is being under utilized in this farming system.