The distribution of crops with distance from the homestead was studied in 324 peasant faImsrnin Fontanina village (South Welo). Edaphic, climatic and socio-cultural factors playrnimpOliant roles in the distribution of crop species. Farmers categorized their farms into threernmain classes and each class is located at different distance from the farm house- holdrnresidence, and contains crops of different value.rnThe homegardens are characterized by pere1l1lial plants composed of const11lction and fiuitrntrees. The nearby farms and main crop fields are fields of annual crops. The nearby farmsrnare characterized by Zea mays L. and other crops planted for immediate use in preharvestrnperiods. The main fields are dominated by Sorghum bie%r (L.) Moench and Eragrostis tefrn(Zucc.) Trotter.rnMultivariate statistical analysis of presence I absence data of species in a sample of 65 standsrn(farms) shows two distinct groups of falms. The fields of annual crops are categorizedrntogether and the homegardens formed a separate group. The variation among thernhomegardens is also detected. Clustering of 50 stands from annual crop fields based onrnquantitative data of 22 species resulted in three clusters (crop community types) and twornplots.rnEstimation of the frequency of sorghum intraspecific diversity in 123 fields indicated thatrnthe frequency of sorghum landraces decreased due to shOliage of rainfall, while that of fastrnmaturing, introduced varieties, of sorghum increased.rnThe discussion undertaken with the interviewed farmers revealed that traditional farmersrnhave accumulated knowledge by which they classify their fanns and crops, distribute cropsrnin their fields and maintain or preserve landrace diversity. This knowledge can fonn thernbasis for scientific research activities in different branches of conservation and development.rnFor example, it is vital to include farmers' knowledge in the efforts of strengthening thernscientific basis of iI/situ conservation of crop genetic resources and in upbringing sustainablernagricultural systems.