Rural Homegardens in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia: An Example for a Sustainable Agro-Ecosystem?

摘要: Homegardens are regarded as a species-rich agro-ecosystem located around homestead for subsistence production and income generation. Often continuously cultivated over many decades, they could be considered model sustainable agricultural systems. As sustainability can not assessed per se, certain indicators have been used instead, e.g. soil quality parameters or biodiversity. Plant diversity is basis homegarden productivity sustainability, however, it static time. Agro-ecological socio-economic factors that influence plant yet fully investigated. The of homegardens has rarely examined quantitatively in time series.The main objective this study was to assess the selected rural Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. Certain were used, emphasising species diversity, quality, garden management. Factors influencing determined. Potentials improve their suitability situ conservation genetic resources also assessed.The research carried out five villages Napu valley, from each which ten households randomly selected. Three mainly inhabited by locals, two migrants. In all homegardens, number abundance crop (i.e. useful species) quantified calculation several similarity indices. For assessing temporal dynamics 30 three villages, had previously investigated 2001, re-inventoried 2003 2004. Soil samples taken analyse physical chemical parameters. Some these analyses performed 2001-study. Gardeners especially interviewed about management utilisation. Cluster, multiple linear regression, principal component (PCA) applied.The studied periods between 2 40 years, cropped areas varied 300 2,400 m2. primary function subsistence-oriented non-staple food, but some gardens largely both market-oriented potential exploited. worked women, men mostly responsible fruit trees cash crops. planting materials endogenous origin. Industrial fertiliser more frequently migrant than local gardeners. Insecticides applied gardens, herbicides gardens.In 2004, combined total 206 50 studied, including wild under-utilised species. Besides, 162 ornamental 58 weedy found. On average, 33 49 garden. Composition well richness crops differed markedly among villages. rather high vegetation structure complex compared Cluster analysis based on abundances partly reflected differences. Multiple regression revealed most important influenced (positively, size ; negatively, cash-oriented , gardener ). PCA showed composition shifted towards with relatively good market access. overall increased slightly 2001 may caused activities development projects area.Soil highly variable within surveyed. erosion problematic them. Over time, pH values C N contents decreased significantly; available P content similar trend. This was, likely, due insufficient management.In conclusion, surveyed dimensions, concerning maintenance. future, additionally threatened different aspects modernisation such an use exogenous inputs shift production. To maintain resources, any promotion intensify should consider keep functioning agro-ecosystem.