Homegardening for Food Security and Income Generation of War Affected Women-Headed Families: A Case Study in Cheddikulam, Northern Province of Sri Lanka

Abstract

The most fundamental social benefit of homegardening (HG) is its direct contributions to rural livelihood development. HG was introduced in the post-war era as a sustainable approach to ensure food security and income generation for unemployed women-headed families in Cheddikulam Divisional Secretarial (DS) division, of the Northern Province of Sri Lanka to mitigate the effects occurred due to lasted civil war in the area. A limited number of studies has been conducted to evaluate the role of homegardening on income generation while ensuring the food security of the selected households. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the role of HG on income generation and food security level of women-headed families in Cheddikulam. Hundred (100) home-gardening and 30 non-home gardening women-headed families in the DS division were randomly selected. Primary data were collected through pre-tested questionnaire, key person interviews and, focus group discussions from January to end of February 2019. Data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Results revealed that women-headed families earn an average monthly income of Rs. 4783.00 from homegardening, which is contributing 24% to their average monthly household income of Rs.20000.00. Average monthly household income of non-home gardeners is Rs.17000.00. Further, household dietary diversity score (HDDS) elicited a significant difference (p= 0.047) between the two groups as it was 7.31 for homegardeners, while 6.46 for non-home gardeners. Sixty-six percent (66%) of homegardeners and 47% non-home gardening families were characterized as a food secured (HDDS>6.5). Results conclude that homegardening plays a greater role in ensuring the food security and income generation of women-headed families in Cheddikulam area. Thus, introducing homegardening practice with a proper and continuous monitoring program to other potential rural localities would be a worthy investment for ensuring food and income security of rural livelihoods in Sri Lanka. Keywords; Food security, homegardening, Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS), income generation, women-headed families