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Small homegarden plots and sustainable livelihoods for the poor

Year of publication 2004

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Author Mitchell, R. ; Hanstad, T.

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Book (series)

Series title LSP Working Paper

Series number 11

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) The paper examines ways in which the poor can use small amounts of land to establish homegardens to advance important livelihood objectives. The paper considers the potential benefits of homegardens in light of policy, financial and cultural constraints, and provides a framework for planners to consider whether (and which) homegarden interventions are appropriate for improving livelihoods of the poor.In many settings in the developing world, lack of access to land may be the most critical obstacle to creating homegardens useful to the poor. Land is a critical resource for most families in the world. Land has inherent value, and land can be a critical component in the creation of value. Even relatively small plots of land substantially supplement the physical, financial and nutritional security of poor households. Land is an important basis for identity and status of individuals within a family and of families within a community. Land can also be the foundation for political power (Agarwal 1994, Deere and Leon 2001, Mearns 1999). As such, programmes that allocate small plots of land for homegardens can provide benefits far beyond those derived directly from the homegardens.

Language English

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