Articles
Linking Plant Diversity and Dietary Diversity of Home Gardens: Examining the Nexus Through Structural Equation Modelling
Authors:
W. M. D. K. Marasinghe ,
Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Makandura, Gonawila, LK
About W. M. D. K.
Department of Agribusiness Management,
Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management
J. C. Edirisinghe,
Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Makandura, Gonawila, LK
About J. C.
Department of Agribusiness Management,
Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management
L. D. M. N. Lokuge
Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Makandura, Gonawila, LK
About L. D. M. N.
Department of Agribusiness Management,
Faculty of Agriculture and Plantation Management
Abstract
Home gardens are the best solution to face global food crisis ahead. The diversified diet helps to reduce the micronutrient deficiency and the risk of chronic diseases. Purpose of this study is to identify the nexus between dietary diversity and plant diversity of the home gardens in Kandy district, Sri Lanka and to understand the determinants affecting the diversity of the home garden. One hundred and thirteen home gardens, belonging to six Divisional Secretariat divisions in Kandy district were randomly selected and data were collected by face to face interviews. Plant diversity was measured by Shannon Index (SI) and dietary diversity by an index prepared by using Food and Agriculture Organization’s Dietary Diversity Index (DD20). Data were analysed through Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) method. Age of the garden owner, education level of the spouse, Health Perception Index (HPI), Constraints on Gardening Index (CGI) and Income Expectation Index (IEI) significantly affect the plant diversity of the home garden. According to the SEM results, there is a positive significant relationship between dietary diversity of the household and plant diversity of home gardens..
Journal of Environmental Professionals Sri Lanka: 2015 Vol. 4 No. 2: 47-57
How to Cite:
Marasinghe, W.M.D.K., Edirisinghe, J.C. and Lokuge, L.D.M.N., 2015. Linking Plant Diversity and Dietary Diversity of Home Gardens: Examining the Nexus Through Structural Equation Modelling. Journal of Environmental Professionals Sri Lanka, 4(2), pp.47–57. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/jepsl.v4i2.7862
Published on
16 Dec 2015.
Peer Reviewed
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