CONTRIBUTION OF HOMEGARDEN AGROFORESTRY IN LIVELIHOOD OF RURAL FARMERS IN KUMAUN HIMALAYA

Homegardens are intensive land-use systems involving the management of woody species grown in deliberate association with herbaceous species, with or without livestock, managed within the compounds of individual homes. Many of the benefits provided to farmers by these gardens are unknown for lack of quantification of the products used by the households. This study was conducted along an altitudinal gradient in Kumaun Himalayan region of Uttarakhand state, India with an objective to collect the data on plant species diversity in homegardens and their contribution towards livelihoods of rural community. The information was collected through a field survey using semi-structured interview schedules and direct observation in the field. A total of 97 species were identified as being important to rural livelihoods, either for personnel consumption or for income generation by selling them in nearby markets. Vegetables (27 species) and fruits (20 species) were the most used categories. Net return from homegarden ranged between INR 10,944 and INR 22,527 and the output/input ratio for monetary budget was higher for low altitude homegardens (3.31) as compared to mid (2.73) and high (2.16) altitude homegardens. This study suggested that though homegardens provide a small source of income, they are particularly important for poor households to meet their basic needs and overcome adversity.