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Homestead Agroforestry Systems Practiced by the Farmers of Natore District

M.B.H. Shabuj
Department of Agroforestry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202

M.A. Wadud
Department of Agroforestry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202

M.O. Sharif
Department of Agroforestry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202

T.A. Khan
Department of Agroforestry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202

M.A. Mondol
Department of Agroforestry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

This study was performed in six upzilas (Natore sadar, Singra, Gurudaspur, Lalpur, Bagatipara and Boraigram) of Natore district with a view to identify the tree diversity, homestead agroforestry practices, vertical stratification and to explore their relationships with the selected characteristics of the farmers of the study area. Information collected from a total of 100 households ranging from marginal, small, medium and large categories. An interview schedule with simple technique and visual observation was used to determine the selected parameters. The respondents were selected randomly and data were collected during the period from 26 August to 12 September 2010. Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Co-efficient (r) was used for statistical analysis along with the usual descriptive statistical parameters. A total of 32 different tree species was recorded in the homestead of the study area of which Jackfruit, Eucalyptus, Ipil-ipil, Mango, Neem, Mehogoni were dominant species. On an average 21.25 tree species were found in homestead. Ten different agroforestry practices were identified from the study area within four different layers. Selected characteristics of the farmers namely age, family size, farm size, and homestead size showed significant positive relationships with the diversity of tree species, while no such relationship was observed with education of the farmers.

Keywords: Tree diversity, homestead and cropland agroforestry

Location: Natore sadar, Singra, Gurudaspur, Lalpur, Bagatipara and Boraigram of Natore district

Start Date: 26-08-2010

End Date: 12-09-2010

Program Area: Farming System

Commodity: Tree

Objectives:

1. To observe the diversity of tree species in the homestead and to observe the different agroforestry practices with vertical stratification in homestead area.

Methodology:

The study was conducted on the area of Bangladesh located at Natore district of Rajshahi division. The data were collected from six upzilas (Natore sadar, Singra, Gurudaspur, Boraigram, Lalpur, Bagatipara). The study areas were frequently visited during the period from 26 August to 12 September 2010. Geological Location of the Study Area: Natore is the eastern district of Rajshahi division. It is located 24.41N and 88.93 E. Methods of data collection: The study was based on field level primary data and researcher himself collected data for the study. Three main methods were followed. These are: (1) direct observation; (2) interviewing farmers; and (3) record kept by farmers. In this study “interviewing farmers” method i.e., farm survey method was used for data collection. Variable of the study: Independent variables of study area were (i) Age, (ii) Education, (iii) Family size, (iv) Farm size, (v) Homestead area and (vi) Number of tree species in homestead. Dependent variable of study area was tree species diversity. Measurement of independent variables: Age of farmers refers to the period of time from his birth to the time of interview. A score of (1) was assigned for each year of his age. It was measured in complete years as reported by a farmer. Education is defined as the ability of an individual to read and write, or formal education received up to ascertain standard. Education of a respondent was measured on the basis of classes he had passed in formal educational institution. For example, if a respondent passed class five, his education score was five. If a respondent not knowing reading and writing given a score of zero (0), and a score of 0.5 was assigned to these respondents who can sign only. The family size was measured by the total number of members in the family of a farmer. The family members included the farmer himself, spouse, children and other dependents. The information was obtained by farmers to item number 3 of interview schedule. The total number of family members was considered as the family size score of a farmer. Farm size of a respondent was measured in terms of hectares by using the following formula: Farm size = A1+A2+ ½ (A3+A4) + A5 Where, A1 = Homestead area, A2 = Own land under own cultivation, A3 = Land taken from and /or given to other on borga, A4 = Land taken from and /or given to other on lease, A5 = others (pond, fruit garden etc). Homestead size was measured by the area of the raised land in which the household has its entire living room, livestock and poultry shed, yard under vegetables, fruit and timber trees, backyard, bushes, bamboo bunches, pond etc. It was express in hectare. Number of tree species in home stead was measured by number of tree species which were grown on the home yard area. Timber, fruits and fuel wood trees considered here. It was express by numbers. Measurement of dependent variable: Number of diversified tree species observed in homestead agroforestry system was the main focus of the study. On the basis of this main aspect the researcher gained knowledge by visiting the study area and discussing with farmers before collection of data. Tree species are the important components of homestead flora. Predominating plant species (fruits, timber, palms, crops, vegetables and others) observed in the study area was calculated in homestead and it was express by numbers. After completion of field survey data were coded, compiled, tabulated and analyzed in accordance with the objectives of the study. Pearson’s Product Moment Co--efficient of Correlation (r) was used in order to explore the relationship between the concerned variables.

Source of Information: J. Agrofor. Environ. 4 (2): 133-136, 2010;ISSN 1995-6983

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The vertical structure of the homegarden over time is not static. It is perpetually changing and being renewed by the interplay of floristic and structural factors. It can, therefore, termed as dynamic. The homegarden have a multistoried canopy configuration. This study identifies four vertical strata. Within these four layers ten (10) different agroforestry systems viz. Mango- country bean based agroforestry system, Litchi -chili based agroforestry system, Date palm- Brinjal –Litchi based agroforestry system, Jujube-Turmeric based agroforestry system, Date palm-Turmeic based agroforestry system, Mango-Banana based agroforestry system, Mehogoni-Litchi based agroforestry system, Eucalyptus-Banana-Chilli based agroforestry system, Mango-Papaya based agroforestry system and Brinjal-Litchi based agroforestry system, were identified.

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