Abstract:
Home gardens play an important role in household economy and are
important ecosystems in the country. This study sought to estimate
economic value of home gardens in the Wet Zone Low Country 3 agro
ecological region (WL 3 AER) and intended to identify factors that
contribute to the economic value. A structured questionnaire survey was
conducted among randomly selected home gardens with varying sizes in
Gampaha and Colombo districts. Information on size, crop types, yield and
costs of inputs were collected along with respondents’ socio economic
factors.
Net average value of a home garden is LKR 76, 355 per annum while
average value per hectare per annum is LKR 433,855. Values of each size
category indicate an optimal size (perch 21-40) for maximum economic
gains. Regression analysis indicates that an additional year of stay could
increase the value by LKR 1245 and additional perch cultivated increase the
value by LKR 500.
The results highlighted the importance of home garden systems in the WL
3 AER for the household economy and the significance of recognizing that
value in making decisions regarding home gardens.
