State of fruit-based homegarden development, constraints and opportunities in western Amhara region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Integration of fruits in homegardens could enormously enhance household food-security and hold a substantial potential for economic and ecological sustainability. A study was undertaken to assess the extant of use, constraints and opportunities of fruit-based homegardens in western Amhara region  in 2006 and 2007. Data were collected by means of structured, semi-structured and key-informant interviews as well as through direct observation and  species inventory. Results revealed that although fruit-based homegarden development is at its infancy, there is a greater tendency and surge of fruit  tree planting in recent years. Of 104 annual and perennial crop species recorded, 15 species appear to be fruits, of which mango (Mangifera indica),  guava (Psidium guajava), avocado (Persea americana), papaya (Carica papaya) and banana (Musa paradisiaca) had a higher abundance, density and  frequency. Despite the great potential to contribute to food and nutritional security, however, fruits are generally found to be rare and play insignificant  role in the diets of growers. Fruit tree management practices are sub-optimal, the quality of planting material used is mediocre and its supply is far from  adequate. Lack of access to water, improved planting material, diseases incidence and wild animals attack represent some of the major challenges.  Furthermore, a growing rivalry in land use between fruits and other cash generating crops adds to the problem. Technical backstopping of gardeners  with respect to access to quality planting material, water, market and growing skill are suggested.