Diversity and management of homestead resources: The case of Sandwip Upazila, Chittagong, Bangladesh

Homestead resource utilization is widespread in Asia, while centuries of traditional approaches have been increasing throughout South Asia. Homestead resources are vital to maintaining sustainable life and livelihood of local people in Bangladesh and people in remote areas as coastal zones are mostly engaged with their homestead resources. The study was conducted in Sandwip Upazila (sub-district) of Chittagong district to assess the diversity of plant species, species richness, homestead management practices, and their contribution to the socio-economic condition of the rural households. Ninety household interviews were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire following stratified sampling to fulfill objectives. A total of 57 tree species under 28 families, including timber, fruits, fuel wood, and multi-purpose tree species were found in the study area. Among the identified 57 tree species under 28 families, 49% are fruit species, while the mean value of Shannon-Wiener Index and evenness of species were 3.32 and 1.89, respectively. Also, the Species Richness Index for Maitbhanga and Sarikait unions was 15.20 and 15.36, respectively, while 52% of the respondents identified market or private nurseries as their source of planting materials. Besides, 71.11% of the respondents replied that protection measures are taken for protecting planting seedlings, while seedlings were used mostly for a better survival rate. Damaged by animals, storms, and pests were identified as most problems faced by households in homestead resource management. This study may help policymakers, including local communities to take proper necessary actions to ensure sustainable management of diversity of homestead resources in local areas of Bangladesh.