Characteristics and functions of traditional homegardens: a review

doi:10.1007/s11515-008-0103-1

Front Biol Chin

2009, Vol. 4

Issue (2) : 151-157 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11515-008-0103-1

REVIEW

Characteristics and functions of traditional homegardens: a review

Huyin HUAI¹(

), Alan HAMILTON²

1. College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China; 2. Plantlife International, 14 Rollestone Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 1DX, UK

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Abstract

Traditional agroecosystems play an important role in the conservation of biodiversity and in sustainable development. As a typical type of traditional agroecosystem, traditional homegardens have been receiving increasing attention from scientists, especially ethnobotanists. They are considered as germplasm banks for many crops and other economic plants. They are also a key site for domestication of wild plants. Current ethnobotanical studies on homegardens focus on their structures, floristic composition, and contributions to their owners. Traditional homegardens often show complicated structures, diverse floristic compositions, multiple functions, low input (including labor and money), and ecological and socioeconomic sustainability. The characteristics and functions of traditional homegardens are closely related to many factors, such as their geographic location and the cultural backgrounds and socioeconomic conditions of their owners. Many researches on homegardens are conducted in the tropics. There are few studies on the dynamics of traditional homegardens, especially those located in temperate, arid and semi-arid zones. The dynamics of homegardens and the factors affecting these processes will be a fruitful field for future research.

Keywords traditional agroecosystem homegarden ethnobotany conservation of biodiversity

Corresponding Author(s): HUAI Huyin,Email:hyhuai@yzu.edu.cn

Issue Date: 05 June 2009

Cite this article:

Huyin HUAI,Alan HAMILTON. Characteristics and functions of traditional homegardens: a review[J]. Front Biol Chin, 2009, 4(2): 151-157.

URL:

https://academic.hep.com.cn/fib/EN/10.1007/s11515-008-0103-1
https://academic.hep.com.cn/fib/EN/Y2009/V4/I2/151

Tab.1 Vertical profiles of a homegarden in Mexico

Tab.2 Vertical profiles of a homegarden in Thailand

Tab.3 Vertical profiles of a homegarden in northeastern Brazil

Tab.4 Plant types in homegardens based on plant management

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