Changes in the Performance of the Homegardens in West Java for Twenty Years. (1). Changes in the Function of Homegardens.

Changes in the size and function of the homegardens from 1980 were studied in five homegardens each with and without a fishpond in Selajambe Village, located at about 70-km west of Bandung in West Java. Area of homegardens and fishpond, and useful plant species in each garden were surveyed in the dry season of 1999 in the same way as in 1980. Irrespective of years, the area of the homegardens with a fishpond was larger than that in the absence of a pond. The area of the homegardens with a fishpond did not change appreciably between 1980 and 1999, whereas in gardens without a pond, it was smaller in the latter than in the former year. Regardless of the presence of a fishpond, the area of the cultivated fields of the farmers remarkably decreased compared with 1980, particularly for the homegardens without a pond. In 1980, most of the houses were of the traditional type and were built using wood and bamboo, while in 1999, 80% of the houses were of the permanent type with bricks, or of the semi-permanent type with wood and bricks. Although the average number of total plant species cultivated in the homegardens was similar in 1980 and 1999, it decreased in the homegardens without a pond and increased in those with a pond compared to 1980. Fruit trees and ornamental plants were the major crops grown in the homegardens for both surveyed years regardless of the presence of a fishpond, although there was a large difference in the number of ornamental species among the homegardens. Based on the observations described above, it was considered that the function of the homegardens had markedly changed during the 20-year period, regardless of the presence of a fishpond. The causes of the changes were discussed.