Diversity and change in homegarden cultivation in Indonesia

Abstract

Homegardens have been described as traditional agroforestry systems that are ecologically and socially sustainable. The concept of social sustainability has two dimensions: positive role to present livelihood conditions and ability to respond to socioeconomic changes. The dynamics of homegardens and its repercussions on social sustainability have received relatively little research attention. On the basis of results of extensive studies in Java and other parts of Indonesia, this article summarizes the historic and recent developments in the homegardening context. The structure and composition of homegardens depend both on their position in the overall farming system and on livelihood strategies of the managers. Rural transformations result in changes in livelihoods and farming systems, and have impacts on homegarden function and composition. The opinions of various authors on homegarden dynamics range from positive to negative; the former consider that changes in homegarden features are associated with socio-professional changes of villagers and the rural-urban interface, while the latter view these changes as indicative of the demise of a traditional system and argue for its revitalization. These different opinions represent different norms in assessing social sustainability of homegardens and differences in value judgments on the ideal structure of homegardens.