Agritourism activities in the Mopani District Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa: perceptions and opportunities
Abstract
Farms in South Africa have to compete in a very hostile agricultural economic
environment and it has become imperative for farmers to find new ways of generating
additional income. Research undertaken in the Mopani District Municipality (MDM) in
the Limpopo Province of South Africa identified agritourism as a potential means to this
end. The main aim of this primarily qualitative study was to gain a better understanding
of the perceptions and opportunities for agritourism in the study area. Data were mainly
collected through interviews and questionnaires. Participants consisted of farmers and
tourists, as well as owners of existing agritourism farms within the MDM. Five current
active agritourism establishments were identified. Key findings revealed that agritourism
is not being utilised to its full potential. Although perceptions of respondents towards
agritourism are positive, marketing around it is insufficient and not all farmers are willing
to host agritourism activities on their farms for various reasons. However, the MDM is a
tourist hub with many visitors passing through the area en route to the Kruger National
Park. Therefore, the potential already exists to host agritourism activities that will benefit
farmers in various ways. By developing farm trails, scheduling daily farm activities, using
information brochures, forming networks with existing tourist establishments,
encouraging the use of local and fresh produce and providing good roadside signage,
farmers can gain increased exposure and recognition for what they do and opportunities
for growth and development may be realised.