Tropical Ecology 59(3): 533–539, 2018 ISSN 0564-3295 © International Society for Tropical Ecology www.tropecol.com

Role of traditional homegardens in biodiversity conservation and socioecological significance in Tangkhul community in Northeast

TUISEM SHIMRAH1*, PEIMI LUNGLENG1, CHONSING SHIMRAH2, Y. S. C. KHUMAN3 & 4 FRANKY VARAH

1University School of Environment Management, GGSIP University, New Delhi 2Department of Anthropology, Delhi University, Delhi 3School of Inter-Disciplinary and Trans-Disciplinary Studies, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi. 4Department of Environmental Studies, Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Science, Delhi University, New Delhi

Abstract: Traditional communities in various parts of the world are facing various challenges owing to shrinking per capita land availability and growing market economy. This has led to shift in land use in which polyculture of variety of traditional crops are being slowly replaced by market driven monoculture system of cultivation to meet the demands to market on one side and maximization of production on the other side. As a result, the traditional crops in homegarden are being threatened in many areas. A study on conservation of tradition crops in homegarden in Tangkhul community in District of , India was carried out to assess the impact of such change in terms of crop species and their socioecological significance. A total of 73 plant species of economic, social and cultural values belonging to 27 families were recorded in homegardens. Result of this study shows that Tangkhul traditional community has vast indigenous knowledge on conservation of biodiversity in limited homegarden sites. Understanding traditional knowledge concerning HGs and how this form the knowledge for choice of species across the local community could help developing better strategies for sustainable management of traditional homegarden. Conservation of such rich biodiversity by traditional communities should be encouraged and proper support can be provided by government so as to withstand market-driven pressure.

Key words: Crops, homegarden, Northeast India, Tangkhul, traditional community.

Introduction culture (Laurance 2007). All these changes have been leading to loss of biodiversity, accentuating Natural ecosystems are undergoing poverty and increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) unprecedented changes in terms of habitat emissions (Baral et al. 2014; Costanza et al. 2014: destruction, fragmentation and conversion to agri- Liang & Liu 2017). The Conference of the Parties

*Corresponding Author; e-mail: [email protected] 534 TRADITIONAL HOMEGARDENS FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN NORTHEAST INDIA of the Convention on Biological Diversity has management practices is, however, lacking. Since targeted, by 2010 to reduce the rate of biodiversity the selection and cultivation of crop species loss. Homegarden (HG) has been identified as one depends on their availability (Gilmore et al. 2013), of the promising options to achieve this target we can also assume that the utilization of crop (Teklay et al. 2013). Homegardens also known as species in HG would be different. People tend to compound farm, homestead or mixed gardens are keep native genetic resources in their vicinity as historically important agro-ecosystems which have readily available for food supplements and been practiced and managed by successive human medicinal uses (Achigan-Dako et al. 2011; Horn et cultures worldwide (Kumar & Nair 2004). There is al. 2012), but we assume that HG species would be growing evidence that owing to the proximate used for many purposes other than food and mimic of natural forests in structure and medicines. Of late, traditional communities across functions, traditional homegardens would serve as the world are facing various challenges owing to effective option to contribute to reduction to loss of reduction in per capita land availability and biodiversity (Gardner et al. 2009; Teklay et al. growing market economy. This has led shift in 2013) together with supplementing food production land use in which cultivation of traditional crops and livelihood opportunities to farmers (Brandt et are being slowly replaced to the demands to al. 2012). market on one site and maximization of production Across the globe, homegardening has on the other side. traditional conservation agro-ecosystem, where is one of the hill districts of some native crop species are grown (Galluzzi et al. Manipur state in Northeasten part of India 2010). Various studies have been undertaken on inhabited by Tangkhul traditional community. The HGs to understand their potential as a site for district is rich in biodiversity as it is situated at biodiversity conservation and also whether HG confluence of Eastern Himalaya and Indo-Burma may serve as means of poverty reduction through a biodiversity hotspots. This area is the home of comprehensive and interdisciplinary investigation many endemic and endangered flora and fauna. of their agrobiodiversity (Fraser et al. 2011; Reyes- The rich biodiversity in the forests are reflected in Garcia et al. 2010; Salako et al. 2014). The the HG as well. Moreover, HGs are valued importance of HG has been detailed for regions traditionally by this communities, not only in such as South-east Asia (Wiersum 1982), Central terms of means of food supplements but due to its Mexico (Ortiz-Sanchez et al. 2015) and West various social and cultural aspects. Such African countries (Salako et al. 2014). However, traditional knowledge of tribal community needs to such studies related to significant roles of HG in be understood in terms of role of HG in terms of biodiversity conservation and food biodiversity conservation, food security and security of traditional communities have hardly challenges due to global changed scenario. In this been initiated in the culturally rich Tangkhul study an attempt was made to understand role of community of Northeast India. traditional HG in biodiversity conservation and Peyre et al. (2006) studied dynamics of HGs in also to understand how Tangkhul community Kerala and found that the decrease in species managed to maintain such biodiversity in the face composition of trees and shrubs was the result of of global change scenario. modernization of HG. Thangjam and Arunachalam (2009) studied traditional HG and its role in Methodology biodiversity conservation in three farming commu- nities in Arunachal Pradesh of Northeast India Study site and reported that HG involves socio-religious dimension apart from conventional food Ukhrul District is located at the northeastern supplements to traditional communities. Kumar part of Manipur bounded by Mynmar in the east, and Nair (2004) reported that apart from food Nagaland state in the North, east and supplements the tropical HGs from peninsular Chandel Districts of Manipur in the south and India provide 70 to 84% of the commercial timber Senapati and Kangpokpi District in the west requirements to local communities. (Fig. 1). The geographical coordinates of the Although HGs are found as one of the most district is at 24°N–25.41°N and 94°E–94.47°E. The important components of traditional village district is hilly in terrain with varying heights of ecosystem in Northeast India, the information on 913 to 3114 m amsl. The climate of the district their role on conservation, food security and is pleasant during most part of the year with SHIMRAH et al. 535

focused interview. Semi-structured interviews (SSIs) were conducted with 20 people (10 women and 10 men) of the age group ranging from 15 to 60 years in each village. The interview was aimed to gain a more in-depth knowledge on: (i) how homegardening is practiced, (ii) what are the germplasms used in HG, (iii) what are the roles played by male and female members in the family, (iv) what are the economic benefits of HG, (v) what are the challenges in HG, and (vi) what are the changes in HG. From the data attempt was made to explore opportunities and mechanisms to accommodate the interests of women and men in homegardens and gain better control over homegardening and nutrition activities. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were held with more knowledgeable people who have been practicing homegardening over a period of minimum five years. Here, more knowledgeable people are those farmers who are married and whose main occupation is farming with their HG of not less than one hectare in size. The FGDs were aimed to gain collective views on how home gardens fit into women’s and men’s livelihood strategies and aspirations; and how home- gardening can address nutrition deficiencies of household members in ways that empower women. Fig. 1. Study Site. Most of the plant species were identified in the field following published papers and reports. For temperature ranging from 3 °C (minimum) to 33 those species which could not be identified in the °C (maximum). The average annual rainfall is field, herbarium sheets were prepared along with about 85.31 cm (Feroze 2014). the record of local name and uses. Photographs of Five villages; , Paorei, , such species were also taken for future identi- and Hunphun (Ukhrul) were selected to fication. Local as well as taxonomists in the carry out this study. All these villages are located in institutions were consulted and the prepared the northern part of Ukhrul District, Manipur. herbarium specimens were compared with These villages are inhabited by traditional published papers and specimens for identification. Tangkhul community; listed as one of the scheduled tribes in India. The owners were asked about Results and discussion information related to type of crops he/she cultivates, livestock, management practices, Location, content and size significances and production of multiple products from the HGs. This group of communities has been Homegardens, are integral form of land use in maintaining HGs for various purposes such as: (i) Tangkhul community of Northeast India. Home- source for food production, (ii) source of ethno- gardens in all the villages have mostly common medicinal plants, (iii) integration of livestock along features such as size, species composition, location with agricultural crops, and (iv) conservation of and even management practices. The key common traditional crop varieties (and/or exotic species). features were: (i) located adjacent (proximal/ attached) to dwellings, (ii) soil fertility maintained Data collection and sampling through nutrient supply from household organic waste, (iii) crops are in various vertical canopy Ten plots (HGs) of varying sizes from 0.75 ha layers, (iv) production primarily for household to 2 ha from each village were randomly selected consumption but surplus is sold, and (v) cropping followed by identification of their owners for practiced throughout the year. 536 TRADITIONAL HOMEGARDENS FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN NORTHEAST INDIA

Table 1. Family-wise distribution of homegardens others with 4 species, respectively (Fig. 2). In a crops. study by Salako et al. (2014) in three contrasting climatic zones of Benin, Africa, they recorded 285 Family No. of Family No. of species but these crops were mainly consumed as species species food and medicinal plants. Generally, crops were deliberately sown in the Amaranthaceae 3 Musaceae 2 gardens by the farmers but in some HGs there Amaryllidaceae 6 Myrtaceae 1 were some crops regenerating naturally from seeds Apiaceae 6 Passifloraceae 1 shed from the previous generation. Such crops Araceae 2 Pedaliaceae 1 were taken as opportunistic crops in the garden Asteraceae 1 Plantaginaceae 2 and their growth was nurtured with proper Brassicaceae 2 Poaceae 3 weeding and care. There was vertical stratification with random mixture of trees, shrubs and herbs Caesalpiniaceae 1 Polygonaceae 4 like any other traditional HGs of Northeast India Caricaceae 1 Portulacaceae 1 (Table 2). But all the species are not scattered Convolvulaceae 1 Rosaceae 4 uniformly in the HG. Most of the top canopy Cucurbitaceae 8 Rutaceae 1 species were usually located at peripheral areas. Fabaceae 7 Saururaceae 1 Trees such as Prunus rufa, Pyrus, Bauhinia Lamiaceae 5 Solanaceae 9 purpurea, bamboo, Passiflora edulis and Musa species were grown at the periphery of the gardens Lythraceae 1 Zingiberaceae 6 while others such as Carica papaya, Citrus Malvaceae 1 jambhiri, Prunus domestica, Prunus persica, Psidium guajava and Punica granatum were Traditional HGs in Ukhrul District vary in size grown at the interior. The conservation of such ranging from 100 to 3000 m2. However, the size of rich biodiversity within a small area can be garden does not correspond to crop diversity since attributed to reposition of vast traditional eco- great variety of crops can be grown in small areas logical knowledge among local communities, which of homegarden. This indicates that, apart from is a part of the cultural patterns of the local production purpose, HG has social and cultural community. The deliberate arrangement of crops attributes too. in vertical and horizontal structure in the HG has been observed as an ecologically sound practice as Biodiversity in homegardens such arrangements have many advantages such as (i) efficient utilization of nutrients by different Altogether, 73 plant species of economic, social species, (ii) barrier for pests and insects, (iii) and cultural values belonging to 27 families were control of soil erosion by larger roots, and (iv) identified in the study area (Table S1). One species ensuring minimum loss in time of natural could not be identified as of now, but their local calamities such as landslide, hailstorm, winds and names were given. All the species can be physiological stress. categorized on the basis of their uses viz., (i) vege- Traditional HGs of neighbouring communities tables, (ii) spices, (iii) fruits, (iv) medicinal plants, such as Nyishis of Arunachal Pradesh were also (v) opportunistic wild vegetables; not deliberately rich in biological diversity harbouring many local grown but useful, and (vi) others; used as juice crop species including the medicinal plants (Saccharum officinarum), pigfeed (Portulaca (Thangjam & Arunachalam 2009). But unlike the oleracea), Tobacco (Nicotiana tobacum) and study area, the HGs in those areas were located multipurpose plant (Bambusa nutans). Solanaceae primarily on low fertility soils that involve was the largest family with nine species followed by intercropping of cereals such as Oryza sativa, cucurbitaceae with eight species, Fabaceae with Setaria italica, Zea mays, Manihot esculenta, seven species, Amaryllidaceae, Apiaceae and Colocasia sp,, Solanum tuberosum, Dioscorea sp., Zingiberaceae with six species each (Table 1). There Capsicum sp. and Solanum melongena were were twelve families which were represented by common vegetable crops. Across the tribal single species. Vegetable was the largest category communities of Northeast India, farmers could with 34 species followed by spices with 13 species, describe plant species which they have cultivated fruit crop with 12 species, medicinal plants and in their HGs and of which they have direct opportunistic wild crops with 10 species each and management knowledge indicating their rich ecolo- SHIMRAH et al. 537

Table 2. Distribution of species in different vertical canopy.

First canopy Second canopy Third canopy Climbers Apium nodiflorum Abelmoschus esculentus Parkia roxburghii Benincasa hispita Brassica juncea Alocasia macrorrhiza/Alocasia indica/ Carica papaya Cucumis sativus Centella asiatica Alpinia galanga Citrus jambhiri Cucurbita ficifolia Daucus carota Brassica oleracea Musa acuminata Cucurbita pepo Lactuca sativa Capsicum annum Prunus domestica Ipomoea batatas Spinacia oleracea Colocasis esculenta Prunus persica Momortica charantia Allium hookeri Lablab purpureus Prunus rufa Phaseolus vulgaris Allium sativum Perilla frutescens Psidium guajava Phaseolus spp. Allium tuberosum Sesamum orientale Punica granatum Pisum sativum Apium graveolens Solanum aethiopicum Pyrus sp. Sechium edule Coriandrum sativa Solanum lycopersicum Musa nagalandiana Vigna species Curcumma longa Solanum melongena Passiflora edulis Houttuynia cordata Solanum tuberosum Cyclanthera pedata Mentha spicata Vicia faba Plantago major Capsicum chinense X Capsicum frutescens Eryngium foetidum Ocimum citriodorum Momortica charantia Zingiber officinale Centella asiatica Alpinia galanga Fagopyrum acutatum Saccharum officinarum F. cymosum Zea mays Plantago major Amarunthus viridis Polygonum chinense Chenopodium album Persicaria wallichii Clerodendrum colebrookianum Unidentified species gical knowledge being largely practiced in and limited area involves strategies for optimizing along nature, and is influenced by the interactive usage of space and resources such as light, effects of ecological and socio-economic constraints. nutrients and water which is true in the case of The Tangkhul traditional community under Tangkhul community. Keeping such significant this study has well developed and maintained HG area under HG by every individual farmer as important ethno-agricultural land use system. indicates the socioecological significant roles of Such rich biodiversity of crops maintained in HGs HGs in this community. in small areas indicates the kind of traditional Agriculture is a dynamic process. Right from its knowledge in effective management of biodiversity. evolution, there has been improvement, The rich biodiversity of crops (73 species) transformation and conversion constantly taking conserved in HG in this community is even much place in the history of mankind. Vandermeer and more than those main-tained in shifting Perfecto (2012) suggested that the production agricultural field in neigh-bouring state of change in agriculture is generated by socio- Arunachal Pradesh (Shimrah 2017). Van der Wal ecological system within the society. In the case of and Bongers (2013) classified HGs in rural regions changes of agriculture regime in traditional of Mexico into three categories on the basis of size communities, changes are driven either externally such as (i) small (less than 1,000 m2), (ii) or internally. Both external forces (such as market intermediate sized (1,000 to 2,000 m2), and (iii) demands, availability of technology, chemicals and large (more than 2,000 m2). They reported that the global climate change) and internal forces (lack cultivation of such highly diversified crops in of labour, loss of soil fertility, commercial crops to 538 TRADITIONAL HOMEGARDENS FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN NORTHEAST INDIA

to be implemented should be routed with the local communities since they are the stakeholders of biodiversity. A community-based conservation initiative needs to be appreciated and policy matter regarding conservation of biodiversity at local level should be adopted right from local communities. There needs to be more research on the role of homegardens in as supplements to food production and as adaptation to climate change, as well as assessing their economic value, nutrition, economic growth, and gender issues in traditional communities. Although HGs is supplementary in terms of production of crops in most parts of the Fig. 2. Distribution of crops on the basis of uses. world, its significance in Tangkhul community has been diverse in terms of traditional healthcare, meet farmers’ requirements and lifestyle) are nutritional value, management and recycling of responsible for changes in production regimes in organic household wastes since all the nutrients of agriculture. In traditional communities such as HG come from kitchen wastes. Moreover, Tangkhul community, changes in crop production conservation of such rich biodiversity within and conservation in HGs could have been easily village ecosystem is commendable and can be undertaken due to any of these forces. But the fact properly acknowledged in scientific world. that they have been resilient to such pressure proves that there is deep routed socioecological Acknowledgement commitment for withstanding such forces. Such ecological knowledge needs to be appreciated and Corresponding author (TS) acknowledges promoted by policy makers. GGSIPU for financial grant in the form of Faculty The present study shows that (1) the HG Research Grant Scheme (FRGS). The critical occupies a small area of the landscape, (2) all comments and suggestions given by Dr RL Semwal families have HG, (3) the garden contains a high is highly appreciated. diversity of plants, (4) rich nutrients in a sustainable manner by way of natural cycling and References also supplement from kitchen organic waste, (5) crops are planted densely, and occupied most of Achigan-Dako E. G., S. N’Danikou, F. Assogba-Komlan, the time of the year, thus, mimicking a HG as a B. Ambrose-Oji, A. Ahanchede & M. W. Pasquini. mini-forest. 2011. Diversity, geographical, and consumption patterns of traditional vegetables in sociolinguistic Conclusion communities in Benin: implications for domestication and utilization. Economic Botany 65: 129–145. Homegardens, although is a supplementary Baral, H., J. K. Rodney, K. S. Sunil, E. S. Nigel & K. agroecosystem land use, is an integral part of Sabine. 2014. Spatial assessment and mapping of traditional communities. It is a source of fresh biodiversity and conservation priorities in a heavily green vegetables, fruits and traditional healthcare modified and fragmented production landscape in system. There is repository of traditional ecological North-Central Victoria, Australia. Ecological knowledge in such communities which remain Indicators 36: 552–562. unreported or lack of studies due their remoteness Brandt R., H. Zimmermann, I. Hensen, J. C. M. Castro in location. The conservation of such rich & S. Rist. 2012. Agroforestry species of the Bolivian biodiversity needs to be appreciated and incentives Andes: an integrated assessment of ecological, for storing huge indigenous germplasms along economic and socio-cultural plant values. Agroforest with traditional knowledge need to be provided by Systems 86: 1–16. government. Healthy interactions and colla- Costanza, R., R. de Groot, P. Sutton, S. van der Ploeg, S. borative conservation activities between scientific J. Anderson I. Kubiszewski, S. Farber & R. K. communities and traditional society should be Turner. 2014. Changes in the global value of eco- promoted so that such rich native biodiversity system services. Global Environmental Change 26: remain unaffected due to global change. Any policy 152–158. SHIMRAH et al. 539

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(Received on 17.06.2018 and accepted after revisions, on 28.10.2018)

Supporting Information

Additional Supporting information may be found in the online version of this article.

Table S1. Inventory of crops in homegardens.