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In the present study, data were collected from 36 homegardens at four altitudes, viz. very low (up to 350 m), low (350-700 m), mid (700-1500 m) and high (above 2000 m). Homegardens were categorized into three sizes: large (>0.007 ha), medium (0.004-0.006 ha) and small (<0.003 ha). A total of 111 plant species belonging to 55 families were recorded. Asteraceae, Fabaceae and Cucurbitaceae (seven species each) formed the most diverse family, and 34 families were mono-specific. Species richness was maximum (22) in medium homegarden at mid altitude and minimum (11) in small homegardens at high altitude. Herb density was maximum (84 individuals m 2 ) at very low altitude and diversity was maximum (2.38) at mid altitude in large homegardens. Tree density was maximum (1200 individuals ha -1 ) at mid altitude and diversity was maximum (2.42) at very low altitude in large homegardens. Total tree basal area was maximum (66.61 m 2 ha -1 ) in small homegardens at very low altitude. Principal component analysis showed that the first component accounted for 54.53% most reliable and high loadings of tree (0.959) and herb density (0.922) with positive effect. The second component (74.93%) showed high factor loading of concentration of dominance for herbs (0.729) with positive effect.

Kumaun Himalaya is one of the unique systems rich in indigenous traditional knowledge and culturally strong. In the present study, qualitative and quantitative data were on agro-biodiversity through field and literature survey. Altogether, 160 plant species belonging to 117 genera and 57 families were recorded. In addition, a large number of land races, varieties and wild relatives are also being used. Cultivation of these crops is mainly of subsistence in nature rather than for commercial purposes. Due to a number of reasons, the area under traditional crops is declining in Kumaun Himalayan region but many of the crop varieties are still conserved because of their socio-cultural and religious values. The human population has increased over time forcing farmers to change their cropping patterns, for example, replacement of mixed cropping to mono-cropping and switching over to cash crops. This has adverse implications on traditional agro-biodiversity of the region. There are both local and global advantages in supporting a dynamic traditional system of agro-biodiversity management. Therefore, promotion and conservation of agro-biodiversity should be done through sustainable use and on- farm and off- farm management.

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Homegardens are usually the small piece of land surrounding the house. They are important agroecosystems and are a source of subsistence and cash resources. The aim of present study was to analyse contribution of rural women in homegarden vegetable cultivation in Nainital district of Kumaun Himalaya, India. Data were collected from 100 respondents by using random sampling method. Participatory interview technique was used to collect data. Observation of homegardens revealed that women play a key role in homegarden vegetable cultivation. Majority of rural women were independently participating (60%) in homegarden vegetable cultivation while 40% women participated jointly with men. Characteristics of rural women such as age, level of education, family size, homegarden size, knowledge about homegarden etc vary from place to place and affect contribution of rural women insignificantly. In order to enable women to actively participate in the various activities related to homegarden vegetable cultivation there is a great need to promote change in policies, laws and development programmes.