Farmers’ values for forest gardens underlie Sri Lanka’s agricultural sustainability
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Tropical forest gardens (FGs) are an ancient, tree-dominant land use. Although numbers are dwindling globally, FGs are increasing in Sri Lanka suggesting that farmers value them. Why Sri Lankan farmers value FGs is vital knowledge that can steer the global quest for agricultural models that are resilient and ensure livelihood sustainability. We investigated the social, ecological, and financial values that Sri Lankan farmers have for FGs challenged by climate variability and animal and insect pest stressors. Using mixed methods, data were collected from 85 farming enterprises across the Intermediate agroecological zone. The Total Economic Value Framework guided investigation in short- (reference year, 2012-2013) and long-terms (beyond 2013). Forest gardens were assessed with respect to land use and crops. Forest garden land use values were compared with other On-farm land uses, Off- farm, and household components in farming enterprises, while FG (long-term or tree) crops contrasted with short-term (annual, semi-perennial) crops. Results revealed that farmers had 24 values for land and crops of which floristic diversity, income and food were highly ranked. Of all land uses, FGs demonstrated the greatest floristic diversity, area, utility benefits, income, and financial efficiency. Short-term household budgets stabilised because FG profit was greater than farming enterprise profit. Current and Non- Current FG assets collectively accounted for 79% of farmers’ equities, ensuring long-term financial security. Sri Lankan farmers valued FGs because they were resilient and provided livelihood sustainability. This study has positive implications for development planning because it presents a real-time, aggregated total economic value for FGs.
ID: 3486830