The benefits of agritourism : two case studies in the Western Cape

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The amalgamation of the two large industries, agriculture and tourism, createda new industry called agritourism. Current farming practices are not securingemployment opportunities for farm workers, and this situation will beaggravated by the increased economic pressures on farming. Agritourism isseen as a diversification option which could assist in creating jobs for thevulnerable and unemployed farm community, while at the same time createfinancial incentives to the farmer. This study specifically focused on theadvantages which could be derived from agritourism, with Sen's CapabilitiesTheory being used as frame of reference when determining the non-financialbenefits accruing to the local community on the farm.A qualitative research approach was followed and information was gatheredthrough interviews, observations and being embedded in the researchedspaces. Two case study sites were used for primary research, KeisiesCottages (situated outside Montagu) and Tierhoek Cottages (situated outsideRobertson). The management approach applied on the farms play animportant role in developing the farm workers' capabilities, entitlements andfunctionings as articulated in Sen's Capabilities Theory. The two SouthAfrican agritourism case study sites were found to follow some of theinternational trends identified during the literature review of this study but alsooffered new findings relevant to the South African context. Althoughagritourism is seen as a diversification strategy to ensure survival for mostfarmers, such strategies offer both financial and non-financial benefits to thebroader farming community while having the potential to create a refuge forurban dwellers and assist visitors to reconnect with the farmers and theirproduce.This research contributes to the South African agritourism literature, which iscurrently limited. By highlighting some of the advantages of this industry, thisresearch could also assist farm owners who are considering agritourism as adiversification strategy.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University