The Forest Farms of Kandy

A global analysis of forest garden farming systems, with a focus on Kandy, Sri Lanka, reveals their high productivity and sustainability as low-input, diversified agroforestry practices. These systems, prevalent across tropical regions, combine trees, palms, bushes, and vines while minimizing conventional crops or livestock. The study evaluates 30 socio-economic criteria to assess these farms' ecological and economic significance, linking them to broader agro-development and environmental challenges. Historical and archaeological evidence further highlights their role in the adoption of agricultural farming. This comprehensive evaluation provides persuasive insights into ancient agroforestry systems and their relevance today.

McConnell, D. J., Dharmapala, K. A. E., & Attanayake, S. R. (2017). The Forest Farms of Kandy. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315239637