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Local Knowledge and Perspectives of Change in Homegardens: A Photovoice Study in Kandy District, Sri Lanka

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  • Rachel deHaan

    (Capacity Development and Extension, School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada)

  • Helen Hambly Odame

    (School of Environmental Design and Rural Development, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada)

  • Naresh Thevathasan

    (School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada)

  • Sarath P. Nissanka

    (Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya 20400, Sri Lanka)

Abstract

Kandyan homegardens are traditional agroforestry systems that exist to support rural livelihoods in Kandy District, Sri Lanka. These agro-ecosystems have been sustained over generations of socio-ecological change and are recognized today for their biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services. The main drivers of adaption and the sustainability of homegardens are the local farmers who manage them on a daily basis. However, despite being key stakeholders, local communities have seldom been included in research, especially through participatory approaches. This study utilized a participatory and visual method called photovoice to reveal the local perspectives and experiences of socio-ecological change as viewed by 24 Kandyan homegardeners. The results highlight visual documentation and narrative that publicly displayed farmers’ perspectives of their current homegardening situation and the major challenges they face. The priorities for future conservation of homegardens include addressing wildlife conflict and crop damage, the lack of land to grow, and a decline in available labor and interest in agriculture, especially among younger household members. Our results indicate that the photovoice process allowed for rich, varied, and in-depth stories of the human-ecological relationship in homegardens to emerge. Consideration of these relationships and the knowledge of local communities are necessary for understanding socio-ecological change in homegardens, and key to sustainable development. Photovoice, we conclude, is a robust method for research in agroforestry systems that can effectively engage local farmers and produce participant-driven data that are potentially well suited to complement other methods for a more holistic approach to understanding homegardens.

Suggested Citation

  • Rachel deHaan & Helen Hambly Odame & Naresh Thevathasan & Sarath P. Nissanka, 2020. "Local Knowledge and Perspectives of Change in Homegardens: A Photovoice Study in Kandy District, Sri Lanka," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-21, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:17:p:6866-:d:403280
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Mahinda Senevi Gunaratne & R. B. Radin Firdaus & Shamila Indika Rathnasooriya, 2021. "Climate change and food security in Sri Lanka: towards food sovereignty," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 8(1), pages 1-14, December.

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