Socioeconomic importance was determined by homegarden income and product generation, occupations and labor investments by gender. Homegardens were specifically designed in order to meet each family's needs and preferences with available resources. The methodological approach used in this investigation seems appropriate to study homegardens and similar agroecosystems. Clear advantages are the inclusion of both biophysical and socioeconomic data, essential for understanding complex agroecosystems, and its simplicity and flexibility. Homegardens showed no signs of soil erosion , and provided refuge for plant and faunal biodiversity.
Nutrient cycling is increased through the multi-strata agroforestry structure of the homegardens.
Trees and shrubs absorb nutrients at deeper soil levels and make them available to other plants through litter. Pests are regulated by maintaining high levels of plant diversity. Homegardens provide both agroecological products an socioeconomic benefits , while conserving resources . Families value the year-round, diverse production of homegardens, even if yields are lower than in monocultures. Use of perennial crops sustains these benefits over the long term.