Abstract:
This study of Homegarden fruit diversity and uses was carried out in Gubalafto District, North Wollo Zone, Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia. And the general aim of the study was to assess and document existing home garden fruits and their uses. The study area is lies in the Dega /Cold/ Woyna Dega/moderet/ and Kolla/kola/ (three) Agroecological Zones. The district consisting 34 kebeles (administration level below District), were 9 of them selected for sample by purposive selective method. And a total of seventy two houses were surveyed within the study area by employing random sampling technique. Ethnobotanical information was gathered using semi-structured interview, Homegarden tour, free listing, preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, market survey and Informant’s consensus methods. Descriptive statistical methods as frequency, relative frequency, Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index and Sorenson Similarity index methods were also employed. From observed houses 43 (59.72%) homegardens were back yard and consists the largest percentage followed by back yard and side yard garden. A total of 16 homegarden fruit species in 12 genera and 9 families were recorded. Among them Rutaceae are the most common families and containing six species. The main factors that influence fruit diversity are size of homegarden, pests and disease and accesses of water.
Key words: Homegarden, Fruits, Agroforestery, Diversity