Valorising landscape: taking opportunities from drought to ecotourism high-end products

Abstract

Naturally, area of Gunungkidul is dominated by unique hilly karst landscape. The area is poor in resources. Quality of soil is low and lack of sufficient water during dry session. Most of inhabitants work in agricultural sector, either as peasant with less than 0.5 Ha or pair workers. Physical characteristic of the area allows only certain species of agricultural crops can be cultivated. A factor for high poverty rate status, it is because limited alternatives for farm diversity are available. Recent phenomenon on climate variability is another threat to rural living, farmers have pushed to adapt to range of weather that most likely leads to significant social and economic long-lasting problems. This paper is aimed to expose gradual shift in the rural setting. It was based on the survey and depth interview data, and was analyzed qualitatively. Agriculture will not provide sufficient income any longer for daily needs. Therefore, despite doing daily farm activities, some farmers have irregular forms to get additional income. They work in construction, home industries, or tourism sectors. Following national trend, growing interests to developing beneficial ways of living in ecotourism sector have been started. This trend is supported by recent exploration to many potential underground caves. Since then, many tourist management groups have grown in the village basis, selling cave-tubing experiences as recreational activities. Ecotourism sector offers sustainable income and valuable alternative out of poverty to many local people. Supported by development of industry 4.0, a powerful means seamlessly connecting people and information, local assets are promoted easily and quickly allowing the most vulnerable groups to escape from severe disaster like drought.