Perceptions, Preferences, and Attitude of Bangladesh Farmers Towards Homegarden Farming Systems

An empirical study was conducted of the attitudes, perceptions and preferences of owners of homegardens in Bangladesh. A wide spectrum of opinions regarding various agroforestry issues was observed. Landholders were found to maintain their homegardens mainly for subsistence, although some additional family income was derived from selling surplus products. Due to lack of scientific knowledge the growing stock of homegardens was not of high quality. Seedlings were mostly preferred to other planting materials. Mango was accorded the highest ‘preference ranking’ among the available species. The farmers expected a number of external support measures, including high quality planting materials, assured credit facilities, and access to state-of-the-art management knowledge. It was concluded that various perceptions, preferences and attitude of the farmers would provide a framework for future policy formulation, preparation of homegarden management plans and development of homegardens in the study area and more generally in Bangladesh.