Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
condiments are in frequent demand, and some, notably medicinal ones, are often
needed at short notice for emergency purposes, hence the desirability of having
the home garden near the home, the point of consumption. The locational pattern
is in accord with von Thunen's model of land use (Chisholm, 1962).
The significance of home gardens lies in their role as a readily accessible
source of food crops and other useful plants, and as a repository of biodiversity.
Thus, properly nurtured home gardens stand to enhance both food security and
germplasm.
Historically, home gardens have formed an important feature of the agricultural
landscape in West Africa, in rural as well as urban areas.
Based on field studies carried out in southern Ghana under the United Nations
University project on People, Land Management, and Environmental Change
(UNU/PLEC), this chapter discusses home gardens with emphasis upon their
implications for food security and conservation of plant genetic diversity,
in situ
,
in agriculturally managed areas.
Methodology
Relevant information was obtained from field studies carried out in Gyamfiase-
Adenya, Sekesua-Osonson, and Amanase-Whanabenya (Maps B, C, D, E) by the
following methods:
•
a systematic broad survey of a large number of home gardens
•
a more in-depth investigation of a selected few
•
impressionistic observations and personal interactions with farmers.
The survey was carried out on a multidisciplinary basis by a team of scientists
(a botanist, soil scientist, and geographers having different specializations)
with the support of technicians, graduate students, and local farmers. It involved
the use of a questionnaire (Table 12.1) to determine floral, edaphic, yield,
spatial, and socio-economic characteristics of gardens in the demonstration sites,
each of which measures approximately 100 sq. km. In each case, the survey
was preceded by explanation of the purpose through the chief, and by public
announcement through the traditional village or town crier,
dawurubofo
(word in Akan-Twi).
In Gyamfiase-Adenya, the survey aimed at a comprehensive coverage of all the
generally nucleated or agglomerated settlements and their living compounds
houses (Table 12.2). This was achieved for about 50 per cent of the area.
However, in the case of Sekesua-Osonson, it was not considered completely
feasible to aim at such a comprehensive coverage because of the difficult trekking
problems posed by the elongated nature of the linear settlements founded on the
huza
landholding system. Therefore, after consultations with the leadership of
the local association of PLEC farmers, the approach was modified. It involved
