Agritourism as a sustainable adaptation option for climate change

R.P Mahaliyanaarachchi,B.C.H Madhuwanthi,M.S Elapata,M Esham

doi:10.1515/opag-2019-0074

R.P Mahaliyanaarachchi, B.C.H Madhuwanthi + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1515/opag-2019-0074

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Abstract

Abstract The global climate change has become one of the imperative issue for the smallholder dominated agriculture and tourism sectors in Sri Lanka. This study investigated the perception of farmers on climate change and the potential of agritourism as a sustainable adaptation option to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change in both tourism and agricultural sectors. The study was carried out in the low country dry zone (LCDZ) and the upcountry wet zone (UPWZ) of Sri Lanka. A survey strategy followed by structured and unstructured interviews were undertaken to collect the data. The sample was composed of 100 farmers each from the UPWZ and LCDZ respectively. The study revealed that there had been climate extremes in both climatic zones in terms of high rainfall and longer dry spells. Thus, it was important for the farmers to have necessary knowledge and skills on different diversification techniques related to crop-production, integrated farming systems and climate resilient production which are economical and mitigate the adverse climatic effects. However, the results revealed that the farmers have altered the cropping patterns and crop management practices rather than adopting entrepreneurial activities like agritourism. Lack of awareness of agritourism within the farming community is the main reason for farmers not contemplating this important diversification option. The results indicate that a significant number of farmers showed interest in considering agritourism as an option to mitigate climate change. It is important to educate farmers on diversification options.

Highlights

Global climate change is considered as one of the main global challenges encountered in the 21st century
The research area selected for the study was two different climatic zones in Sri Lanka namely the Low country dry zone (LCDZ) which includes Thissmaharamaya and Mulkirigala DS divisions and the Upcountry wet zone (UPWZ) which includes Welimada and Nuwara Eliya DS divisions (Figure 1)
upcountry wet zone (UPWZ) farmers cultivate upcountry vegetables whereas the low country dry zone (LCDZ) farmers cultivate paddy and low country vegetables cereals and legumes. These areas were selected as they were among the major tourism destinations in Sri Lanka. They mainly cater for eco and cultural tourism in Sri Lanka which has a close relationship with agritourism

Summary

Introduction

Global climate change is considered as one of the main global challenges encountered in the 21st century. Esham et al (2013) discuss that the climate change in Sri Lanka is taking place in terms of rainfall variability and an increase in climate extremes and warming. In Sri Lanka, climate change threatens to have a significant impact on sectors such as water, agriculture and health (De Costa 2008; Athulathmudali et al 2011). Given the seriousness of the impacts of climate change on agriculture and rural communities, adaptation to climate change has become inevitable for these communities. Among limited alternatives available for these rural communities agritourism can be considered as a viable alternative both to minimize impact of climate change as well as to exploit the opportunities associated with climate change (Mahaliyanaarachchi 2015). Valdivia et al (2014) have stated, agritourism as an adaptation strategy for climate change which would generate agricultural incomes while sustaining rural livelihoods. Agritourism is promoted as an entrepreneurial economic diversification strategy throughout the world (Nickerson et al 2001; Ollenburg et al 2007; Valdivia et al 2014)

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