Homegardens have a long tradition in many tropical countries, although their structure, function, species composition, and management vary throughout different regions of the world. Research on homegardens has been gaining interest in recent years for their potential as models of economically efficient, ecologically sustainable agroforestry systems. Species composition, structure and function of homegardens may be influenced by ecological, socio-economic and cultural factors. Homegardens were studied in three villages in the Peruvian Amazon, differing in terms of cultural background, distance to urban market, and involvement in tourism. Data were collected on size of homegarden, species composition, species abundance and use of plants in the homegarden. Comparison of homegardens among the villages showed that involvement in the tourist craft market had the greatest impact on species composition and use of plants in the homegardens. Although homegardens in all three villages served important functions as sources of foods, market products, medicinals, construction and craft materials, homegardens in the village involved with tourism were smaller, less species rich, with a lower diversity of fruit trees. This reflects a decreased reliance on homegardens in that village for subsistence and market products due to cash available through the tourist craft market.

Key words: agroforestry, ethnobotany, homegardens, Peruvian Amazon