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Farm Tourism: Bridging urban-rural divide and boosting sustainable growth
Farm tourism allows visitors to explore the essence of rural life by participating in activities like crop harvesting, animal husbandry, fishing, camping, hiking, and enjoying authentic local cuisine.
By blending tourism with sustainable agricultural practices, this concept not only enhances farmers’ and labourers’ livelihoods by boosting production and generating additional revenue but also fosters development within farming communities.
It provides a platform for farmers and fishermen to share their expertise, impart valuable skills, and ignite interest in agricultural and fishing ventures among visitors.
Farm tourism also acts as a bridge between urban and rural communities, fostering a deeper appreciation for agriculture’s role in everyday life. Visitors gain first-hand insights into the dedication and skill required to cultivate crops, rear livestock, and manage natural resources sustainably.
This connection helps dispel misconceptions about rural living while inspiring support for local farmers and their practices.
Moreover, farm tourism contributes significantly to environmental conservation and sustainable development. Many farm tours incorporate eco-friendly practices such as organic farming, renewable energy use, and waste management.
By exposing visitors to these practices, farm tourism raises awareness about environmental stewardship, encouraging individuals and communities to adopt greener lifestyles and support sustainable food systems.
Additionally, it provides an opportunity to preserve and celebrate cultural heritage. Visitors can engage in traditional farming methods, taste indigenous recipes, and participate in local festivals, enriching their understanding of rural culture.
These experiences not only enhance the tourism sector but also create avenues for preserving age-old traditions and ensuring they are passed down to future generations.
The current government has shown a strong commitment to generating revenue to boost economic growth. While agriculture has often been prioritised for its quick results, farm tourism presents a valuable opportunity for investment in both agriculture and tourism.
Visiting farms, which often feature orchards, livestock, and diverse management styles, offers a promising avenue for economic development. Farm tourism serves as an important pillar for employment with immense potential to contribute to national growth.
Promoting farm tourism will also help revive the tourism sector. Although most farm tourism destinations are not currently included in national tourism industry plans, they offer significant benefits. Farm outlets can host visitors, promote cultural exchange, and introduce basic farming techniques. Fisheries and horticultural practices on these farms can provide valuable educational experiences for tourists.
Visitors can learn about floriculture, value chains, and animal production techniques, thereby enhancing the synergy between tourism and agricultural programming. Encouraging farm tourism could bridge gaps between these two sectors, offering economic and educational benefits for all involved.
It is crucial to finalise farm tourism programs by providing technical support for capacity building, research and development, marketing, advocacy, and technological advancements. These programs should promote farm tourism development and pilot activities at specific sites, ensuring food security and providing additional income for farmers through tourism.
The government should immediately launch initiatives to increase interest in farm tourism. Successful commercial farms need to develop robust tourism policies and partnerships. Meanwhile, efforts must focus on using farm tourism as a tool to achieve food security, combat hunger, and reduce malnutrition.
There is also an urgent need for a strategic program to position farm tourism as a key driver of the national economy. This requires sustainability and adaptability to attract Nigerians abroad and foreign visitors. Such initiatives can create master plans for sectoral development, promoting farming business opportunities nationwide.
Additionally, engaging donor agencies to support farm tourism development is critical. Collaborative efforts with private-sector stakeholders and individuals can drive investment, attract visitors, and ensure the success of farm tourism in the country.
Michael Adedotun Oke,
Project Facilitator, Talent Upgrade Global Concept, Michael Adedotun Oke Foundation, Plot 232 Kaida Road, Old Kutunku, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria
maof2020@gmail.com
+23408027142077
