MINOR FRUIT TREES IN HOMESTEAD AND ITS IMPACT ON FOOD AND NUTRITIONAL SECURITY: A CASE STUDY OF NOTHERN BANGLADESH

Abstract

This research investigates into the significant role of minor fruit trees within homestead agroforestry systems as crucial components for fostering food and nutritional security among rural communities facing economic challenges. Drawing on robust empirical evidence from impoverished communities, the research emphasizes the diverse and multi-functional benefits derived from the strategic integration of minor fruit trees. This study investigates the demographic characteristics, botanical diversity, productivity, and socio-environmental impacts of minor fruit species cultivated in rural households. The study investigate the demographic profile of the homesetead. The sample population has a mean age of 45.87 years (SD = 8.381), an average of 6.57 years of schooling (SD = 4.951), and a mean annual income of 107.897 thousand BDT (SD = 59.319). The households have an average family size of 4.99 (SD = 1.398) and homestead size of 0.159 hectares (SD = 0.09). The Botanical diversity assessments show significant clustering of minor fruit species within the Myrtaceae, Arecaceae, and Sapotaceae families, with Boroi (Spondias pinnata) emerging as the most prevalent species (relative prevalence of 1.43). Productivity evaluations reveal Tal as the highest-yielding species, averaging 300 units per tree, followed by Kamranga, Jam, and Boroi. Monthly fruit productivity varies seasonally, peaking in July (60 kg) and dipping in December (2.16 kg). The socio-environmental analysis highlights minor fruits' significant contributions to income diversification, nutritional security, and local economic growth. However, constraints such as small homestead size (CFI = 471), pest and disease susceptibility (CFI = 428), and water requirements (CFI = 419) challenge production. The study concludes that integrating minor fruit trees into agroforestry systems enhances food and nutritional security for economically disadvantaged rural communities. These findings advocate for policies promoting the cultivation of high-yield species and sustainable agricultural practices to boost socio-economic resilience and environmental sustainability.