Information on 20 families and their homegardens was compiled between January & August 1996. Agroecological information of plant composition and structure was collected through inventories and participatory maps depicting management zones (area allocations to specific uses and management), general topography and plant location and use. Plants were further categorized by use and growth habit. Emphasis was put on having zones and plant uses defined by farmers. Socioeconomic importance was determined by homegarden income and product generation, occupations and labor investments by gender. Socioeconomic data was collected through surveys, semi-structured interviews and three in-depth case studies. The twenty homegardens were then classified into 6 "types", using a field-based typology and through a cluster analysis, using Ward's minimum variance method.  

Homegardens at the site showed both characteristics of ecological sustainability and socioeconomic importance, although they differed in terms of structure and function. Local management strategies, exemplified through zonification, seem to be dynamic processes which are affected by both external forces (work opportunities) and internal choices (occupational preferences). Homegardens were specifically designed in order to meet each family's needs and preferences with available resources. Although dependence on homegardens may vary according to specific conditions at a given time (i.e. labor availability; outside labor opportunities), they remain a consistent, flexible resource families use to provide for various needs. The methodological approach used in this investigation seems appropriate to study homegardens and similar agroecosystems. Clear advantages are the inclusion of both biophysical and socioeconomic data, essential for understanding complex agroecosystems, and its simplicity and flexibility. 

Use Renewable Resources

Use of naturally-occurring, renewable, on-homegarden inputs.

Conserve Resources

Homegardens showed no signs of soil erosion, and provided refuge for plant and faunal biodiversity.

Manage Ecological Relationships

Nutrient cycling is increased through the multi-strata agroforestry structure of the homegardens. Trees and shrubs absorb nutrients at deeper soil levels and make them available to other plants through litter. Pests are regulated by maintaining high levels of plant diversity.

Adjust to Local Environments

Families have adapted homegarden management to their specific needs and environment.

Manage Whole Systems

Homegardens provide both agroecological products an socioeconomic benefits, while conserving resources.

Maximize Long-Term Benefits

Families value the year-round, diverse production of homegardens, even if yields are lower than in monocultures. Use of perennial crops sustains these benefits over the long term.

Diversify

Homegardens are one of the most diverse agroecosystems in the world. By including a wide array of plant species and using space for work and recreation homegardeners ensure a wide range of their needs are met through the maintenance of these systems.

Empower people

Homegardening systems use local knowledge and management strategies to improve local environments and communities. 

Mendez, V.E., R. Lok & E. Somarriba (in review) Interdisciplinary analysis of homegardens in Nicaragua: zonification, plant use & socioeconomic importance. submitted to Agroforestry Systems [The Netherlands].

Mendez, V.E., R. Lok & E. Somarriba (1999) Interdisciplinary analysis of tropical homegardens: a case study from Nicaragua. Pp. 260-263. In Jimenez, F. & J. Beer (compilors) Proceedings of the International Symposium on Multi-strata Agroforestry Systems with Perennial Crops, 22-27 Feb. CATIE: Turrialba, Costa Rica.

Mendez, V.E. & R. Lok (1997) Analisis agroecologico de huertos caseros tradicionales en Nicaragua. pp 240-244. In Proceedings of the Third Scientific Week at CATIE, 3-6 Feb. CATIE: Turrialba, Costa Rica.

Mendez, V.E., R. Lok & E. Somarriba (1996) Analisis agroecologico de huertos caseros tradicionales en Nicaragua. Agroforesteria en las Americas 10:36-40 [Costa Rica].

Lok, R. & V.E. Mendez (1998) El uso del ordenamiento local de espacio para una clasificacion de huertos en Nicaragua. pp 129-150. In R. Lok (ed) Huertos caseros tradicionales de America Central: caracteristicas, beneficios e importancia desde un enfoque multidisciplinario. CATIE//IDRC: Turrialba, Costa Rica.