Homegarden Contribution to Food Security & Income in Swaziland

The research study was carried out between October 2011 and September 2012 in Swaziland to investigate the extent of adoption and contribution of Agroforestry Homegardens to household food and income security in selected Tinkhundla centers in Swaziland. A total of four Tinkhundla centers were randomly selected with each Inkhundla per agroecological zone to make up the study blocks. A total sample size of 120 households was selected randomly from the four Tinkhundla centers with 30 households from each Inkhundla. The findings indicated that the adoption of Agroforestry Homegardens technology by the local communities in in Swaziland was about 63%. The Agroforestry Homegardens are among the major sources of food and income for the households with their contribution accounting for 31% and 25% respectively and being only second to employment. Availability of nurseries near the Tinkhundla centers was the most enhancing factor while lack of capital inputs was the most limiting factor for the adoption of Agroforestry Homegarden technology in Swaziland.