Plant species diversity of home gardens in El Obeid, Central Sudan.
Gebauer J.
Author Affiliation: Agricultural Research Corporation, El Obeid Research Station, P.O. Box 429, El Obeid, Sudan.
Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics 106 : 97-103
Abstract : A survey was conducted among 81 home gardens in El Obeid, Central Sudan, on March and April 2004 to determine the species diversity and uses of plants in home gardens. Information was also collected on the occurrence of domestic animals, size of home gardens and households, profession of the owners, plant origin and cultural practices. A total of 32 plant species and 8 animal species were identified. Each home garden contained an average of 3 plants for human consumption. However, in 5 of the studied home gardens, no plant species were found. Fruit trees were the predominant horticultural crops. In 76 out of 81 home gardens fruit trees were cultivated, the most common of which were lime (Citrus aurantiifolia), guava (Psidium guajava), mango (Mangifera indica), date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) and grapefruit (Citrus paradisi). Several wild trees and shrubs with edible fruits were also observed, which were grown for different purposes, i.e. food, construction materials, fodder, firewood, medicinal uses, amenity and for providing shade. Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), chilli (Capsicum annuum), aubergine (Solanum melongena) and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) were rarely planted. Ornamental plants were present in more than 50% of the home gardens, most common of which were bougainvillea (Bougainvillea glabra), christ plant (Euphorbia milii), sand olive (Dodonaea angustifolia [Dodonaea viscosa]), oleander (Nerium oleander) and shrub verbena (Lantana camara). Domestic animals kept at the compound were chickens (Gallus gallus), pigeons (Columba livia), goats (Capra hircus), ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), geese (Anser anser), rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), one donkey (Equus africanus) and one dog (Canis (lupus) familiaris). Fruit trees were irrigated on average every 2 to 3 days. However, wild fruit trees and shrubs are not irrigated or to a lesser extent. No chemical fertilizers or insecticides were used in any of the studied home gardens. Pruning of trees and shrubs was not practiced. Approximately 67% of the households reported that the fruit trees were bought as juvenile plants from local nurseries. However, knowledge about varieties was very low. The remaining 33% of the households claimed that the fruit trees was raised by themselves from seeds. Most multipurpose trees/shrubs grew spontaneously in the home gardens and were rarely planted.