Tourism–agriculture linkages in rural South Africa: evidence from the accommodation sector

Abstract

This paper explores issues in the development of linkages between tourism and agriculture in developing world situations, a key challenge for pro-poor tourism. It contributes to the limited literature on food sourcing by tourism accommodation establishments by analysing tourism–agriculture linkages in the food supply chains of 80 luxury African safari lodges (ASLs) in rural South Africa. The results disclose important constraints on the establishment and strengthening of local linkages relating to lack of local production quality, consistency and volume required by ASLs. The role of transport, wholesale intermediaries and the rapid turnover of ASL procurement managers is also shown. Price was not a major factor, and contrary to some claims, most ASLs are not foreign owned or staffed by foreign chefs unused to local produce. Positive trends include rising South African food quality and variety, increasing niche market production and increasing tourist interest in fair trade and local foods. For policy intervention, the greatest significance is the failure of many local community initiatives, and the need for training, capacity building and support for local producers to enter the food supply chains. The key need, however, is to overcome poor communication and deep mistrust between food supply decision-makers and local producers.