Abstract:
A homegarden is part of a household livelihood strategy and has gained prominence as a
natural asset through which sustainable use of resources, for the livelihoods of the poor, may be
achieved. Despite the benefits, homegardens in the Batticaloa district have not been evaluated
in-depth. This study focused on the composition, structure, diversity and different systems of
homegardens in the Batticaloa district. The study was conducted in three Divisional Secretariat
divisions in the district where 206 samples were collected. Results of the study revealed that
average number of trees per household was 6.56. Species richness, varied from 2- 56 with the
mean of 12.93. Mean Shannon index was 0.66. Two different types of systems were identified
viz., Single layered and Multi layered systems. Single storied system composed only of banana
or cashew or coconut trees. Only 23% homegardens were classified as single layered system
while the rest were multi layered system.
