The Role of Homegardens in Sri Lanka in Enhancing Food Security, Nutrition, Biodiversity Conservation, and Rural Livelihood Resilience

Abstract:

Sri Lankan homegardens represent long-standing, multistrata agroforestry systems that integrate ecological complexity with socio-cultural knowledge. This review systematically synthesizes empirical evidence on their multifunctional contributions across four interlinked domains: household food security, nutrition, biodiversity conservation, and rural livelihood resilience. Following PRISMA guidelines, 60 peer-reviewed studies were selected from international and national databases to ensure comprehensive coverage of ecological, nutritional, and socio-economic dimensions. Findings indicate that homegardens significantly strengthen the four pillars of food security, availability, access, utilization, and stability, through year-round production, crop diversification, and reduced market dependence. Evidence further demonstrates positive associations between plant species richness and dietary diversity, highlighting the role of indigenous and nutrient-dense crops in improving micronutrient intake and addressing hidden hunger. Structurally complex home gardens function as in situ reservoirs of agrobiodiversity, supporting endemic and traditional species while delivering ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, soil conservation, pollinator habitat provision, and microclimate regulation. Beyond ecological functions, these systems enhance livelihood resilience by diversifying income sources, reducing vulnerability to climate and economic shocks, and embedding adaptive management practices rooted in local knowledge. Their capacity to buffer households during crises, including climate variability, post-conflict recovery, and market disruptions, positions them as decentralized resilience mechanisms within rural landscapes. Overall, Sri Lankan homegardens emerge as culturally embedded, nature-based solutions capable of advancing sustainable rural development. Strengthening policy support, extension services, and integration into national food security and climate adaptation strategies could further amplify their multifunctional benefits.