Interdisciplinary analysis of homegardens in Nicaragua: micro-zonation, plant use and socioeconomic importance

The choice of plant species, their arrangement and management varies betwee n and within tropical homegardens in the same community. Relationships betw een agroecological and socioeconomic characteristics of 20 homegardens were examined at Masaya, Nicaragua. Variables analyzed were micro-zonation (are a allocation to specific uses and management), plant use and diversity, occ upation, labor investment, and product, benefit and income generation. Data was collected through surveys, participatory mapping, plant inventories, d irect observation and interviews. Ten different micro-zones and nine plant uses were identified. Fruit trees, shaded coffee and ornamentals were the m ost important zones. Plant diversity was high, with a sample total of 324 s pecies. Homegardens were an important occupation, with average labor invest ments of 32.6 h family(-1) week(-1). Families obtained at least 40 differen t plant products from homegardens, as well as the benefit of space for work ing and socializing. Six homegarden types were identified using a cluster a nalysis based on biophysical variables. Types reflected the relationship be tween income generation and the number and types of zones and plant species present. Labor inputs were high considering the small size of the homegard ens (average size 3,240 m(2)), although no clear relationships between labo r investment and plant and zone type or number were observed. Homegarden ma nagement strategies of plant selection and zonation were affected both by f amily choices and external forces. Although dependence on homegardens may v ary according to specific conditions at a given time, they seem to be a con sistent, flexible resource used to meet a diversity of needs. The methodolo gical approach used in this paper may be appropriate for the study of other traditional agroecosystems since it includes both biophysical and socioeco nomic variables, essential for understanding these complex systems.