Home gardens are valued for the ecosystem services they provide in promoting human health and well-beingThis study evaluated the relationship between home gardens, ecosystem services, and human well-being in the Lefke Region of North Cyprus where home gardens are prevalent and intensely used throughout the year. Ecosystem services (ESs) are benefits ecosystems provide to people and are generally grouped into four broad categories: provisioning, such as the production of food and water; regulating, such as the control of climate; supporting, such as nutrient cycles and crop pollination; and cultural, such as spiritual and recreational benefits. Different categories of human well-being (HWB) addressed in this study include existence (basic material for life), health, security, good social relations, and freedom of choice and action.
The study was conducted in two phases: (1) developing a theoretical framework for evaluating the relationship between home gardens, ecosystem services, and HWB; and (2) using relevant tools to assess the values of ESs and their contributions to HWB. The theoretical framework was based on the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) and a comprehensive review of the literature. In addition to the different categories of ESs and HWB, the MA also considers drivers of change, which for this study, included urbanization, land abandonment, and less maintenance.
The second phase of the study utilized a questionnaire, semi-structured interviews, and field surveys. The questionnaire and interviews focused on people’s preferences regarding the relative values of ESs provided through home gardens and their contributions to HWB. The field surveys identified the major plant species grown in home gardens. A total of 106 adults with home gardens participated in this study. The younger generation “has had little interest in gardening.” The younger generation was also moving out of the region to seek better employment opportunities.
Approximately 183 plant species are cultivated in the home gardens in the Lefke Region of North Cyprus. Twenty-one garden-related ESs were identified, with security being the highest rated ES. Participants appreciated the secure environment the gardens provided for themselves and their children. They noted how the gardens created a “sense of belonging” and a “sense of place.” Participants also valued their gardens as sites for developing good social relations with community and family members and for the contributions the related ESs provided in promoting mental and physical health and individual development (e.g. creativity and spiritual development).
This research indicates that there is a positive relationship between ESs and HWB at the home garden scale. This research also supports the development of planning strategies that link the ESs at the home garden scale with ESs delivered at the landscape scale to ensure the sustainability of such services.
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