Traditional homegardens and rural livelihoods in Nhema, Zimbabwe: a sustainable agroforestry system

This paper analyzes data on the contribution of homegardens to the livelihoods of rural people in Nhema communal area, Zimbabwe. Variables analyzed were plant use and diversity, homegarden input, benefit, and income generation. Data were collected through plant inventories, direct observations, semi-structured and open-ended questionnaires, and interviews. A total of 69 plant species were identified as being important to local livelihoods, either for domestic use or for trading in the local market. Tubers, vegetables, and fruit trees were the most important plant use categories. Food production was found to be the primary function of homegardens, almost all of them being subsistence production systems. Homegardens were an important occupation for rural people, with an average labor investment of 48 h per family per month. Although homegarden production provides a small source of income, it is particularly important for poor households to overcome adversity and meet basic needs. The results of this study demonstrate that properly managed homegardens can improve people's livelihoods and quality of life, reduce poverty, and foster economic growth into the future on a sustainable basis. Some homegardens have extensive collections of plant biodiversity, hence revealing the potential of homegardens in conserving useful plants.