Mangoes in Sri Lankan Home Gardens: How Predominant Are They?

Project Description

A study based on an investigation over a sample of 435 home gardens in Sri Lanka distributed across Hambantota, Jaffna, Matale, and Ratnapura districts.

Key Findings

A majority of mango trees (64%) occupied the understory layer, with their importance and contribution to biomass ranging from 1% to 15%, varying significantly by district.

Proper care enhanced mango trees' dominance, fruit production, and carbon storage in home gardens, highlighting the tree's potential for productivity and environmental benefits.

Achieving optimal productivity for mango trees in home gardens demanded focused management, environmental adaptability, and household commitment to tree care, underscoring the need for further research and education.

Policy Implications

The study advocates to,

  1. Enhance mango tree growth and productivity in home gardens through management practices like pruning, replacement of unproductive trees, and substitution with high-yielding varieties.
  2. Increase awareness and technical knowledge among households regarding agronomic practices for mango trees through targeted training and education programs.
  3. Support these initiatives at the policy level to ensure the sustainability and expansion of productive mango trees in home gardens, emphasizing their role as significant habitats.

Publication

Kuruppuarachchi, N. (2024) Mangoes in Sri Lankan Homegardens: How Predominant Are They? [Policy Brief], ACIAR Food Loss Mitigation Project. Institute of Policy Studies of Sri Lanka. Colombo.