Plant Species Diversity of Home Gardens in El Obeid, Central Sudan

Abstract

Home gardens are very common in El Obeid, but information about plant species diversity and its significance for household food supply is not available. To analyse this, cultivated plants of 81 home gardens were surveyed. The plants studied in the home gardens included those for human consumption such as fruit trees, wild fruit trees and vegetables. In total, 32 plant species were found in the study gardens. The range of species was found, because irrigation is used under semiarid conditions. However, the lack of continuous sufficient irrigation water is the main factor which prevents an increase in species number and species diversity. In general, home garden products are mainly used as supplemental food in households and not sold on local markets.