Tourism and Ethnodevelopment: Female Contribution in Rural Community-Based Agritourism

Abstract

The ethnodevelopment emphasizes cultural dimension as identity form, the encouragement of local and marginalized groups in decision-making, and the crucial role of the indigenous knowledge and skill to sustain local livelihood. In contrast, females in rural areas have the same potential as men. It is then necessary to empower females with many ethnic backgrounds as farmers. The Women Farmers Group is a forum consisting of women engaged in agricultural activities within various ethnic groups. In addition, females expect to play a role in economic empowerment to achieve financial independence and build their territory. This research uses a qualitative perspective to illustrate Community Based Agritourism, which dominated ethnic lives in two rural areas of the Pesawaran Regency, and the female characteristics among farmers groups to promote the territory by linking social capital from many stakeholders. Agritourism initiates the diversification of agriculture products and supports the revitalization of rural areas. It is also an important instrument to improve the social status of the female. Both local and national levels in agritourism development need to promote female contributions. The assistance of Women in economic empowerment requires solid institutional support. Furthermore, it emphasizes state institutions as the key players in agritourism development.