Species diversity and productivity at different microsite^^ of homestead in the terrace ecosystem of bangladesh

Abstract

Abstract : An exploratory survey was carried out in Kapasia upazila of Gazipur district to investigate the distribution pattern of plant species and their relative performance in different microsites. Their contribution to homestead production and income along with constraints/prospects were also evaluated. A structured interview schedule was used for the survey with 110 randomly selected households. A total of 68 different plant species of diverse categories, namely fruit, timber, medicinal and ornamental species were identified from the surveyed homesteads. The species diversity was found the highest at the front yard (1.99) followed by that in the approach road (1.88). Among the trees, mango was the most dominant species in approach road, home yard and back yard followed by jackfruit, which was mostly dominant in the front yard and boundary. Most of the species performed better in the home yard and worse in boundary and approach road. Home yard contributed maximum to the total household annual production (32.24%) followed by back yard (21.34%) and front yard (23.5%). However, unavailability of land was the top-ranked problem, which could be solved by finding alternative bare land for planting trees and crops. Despite a number of problems associated with this production system, microsites have great prospect and potentiality in the annual household production, income and stability of the household. A well designed and properly managed homestead can ensure supply of products, such as food, fodder, fuel, timber; ecosystem services and resilience.