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|  | Linkages and impacts of tourism and agriculture development in Fiji : case studies from the Northern Division
Author:Dolcy, Tracy Jermina
Institution: University of the South Pacific.
Award: M.A. Development Studies
Subject: Agritourism -- Fiji
Date: 2015
Call No.: Pac S 565 .88 .D65 2015
BRN: 1204094
Copyright:20-40% of this thesis may be copied without the authors written permission
Abstract: In recent decades, the significance of fostering greater synergy between the agriculture and tourism sector has been receiving increased attention among scholars and policymakers. Though the sectors are inescapably linked as agriculture caters to the food and beverage demands of the tourism sector, it is not automatic that the local agricultural sectors in host nations greatly benefit from tourism development. Therefore, the focus has been on the creation of stronger backward linkages between these sectors and more recently, the introduction of agritourism. As has been revealed by previous studies, such linkages can assist the sustainable development of both agriculture and tourism and in turn offer opportunities for the integration of pro-poor tourism, sustainable livelihood options and rural development. While the benefits and constraints of both agritourism and the backward linking of tourism and agriculture have been widely researched outside the South Pacific, within this context it is relatively understudied. As a result, by focusing on Fiji, the region’s leading tourism destination, this study aims to explore how tourism-agricultural linkages can potentially benefit each sector and serve as an avenue for rural development, especially in the Northern Division. Considering this, this present study aims to focuses on Fiji, the region’s leading tourism destination and explores whether, and how, linkages between tourism and agriculture can potentially benefit each sector and serve as an avenue for rural development, especially in the Northern Division. This thesis adopts an integrated paradigm approach. Though largely qualitative, it draws on quantitative methods and utilizes both primary and secondary sources of data. Based on the research questions and objectives of this thesis, one survey was conducted with 80 tourists to examine visitors’ consumption patterns, demands and perception of local agricultural products and services. In addition, a total of 62 interviews were conducted with farmers, agritourism entrepreneurs, hotel employees and other key informants to ascertain the nature of existing agriculture and tourism linkages as well as their success and challenges. Samples were selected purposively. v The study found that opportunities exist in the Northern Division for greater synergies between the tourism and agricultural sector. At present, while some tourism establishments are purchasing directly from local farmers and also offering local cuisine as part of their daily menu, many are not. Yet, the majority of visitors are interested in trying more local cuisine and agri-related activities, such as farm tours. They largely gave extremely good reviews of local fruits and some expressed interest in getting them imported to their home markets. Nonetheless, farmers in the division are constrained by weather, marketing, infrastructural and transport issues. Though they express a desire to form closer partnerships with the tourism industry and, even as with two case studies, venture into agritourism, they seek further support from relevant stakeholders. The two cases of agritourism, Nabogiono Farms and Cegu Valley Farm, have given positive feedback on their returns from agritourism and support that it is worth exploring. Taking into consideration the findings of this study, it is recommended that additional support be given by the relevant stakeholders to help nurture existing and potential tourism-agricultural linkages. A policy framework needs to be introduced to guide and support agritourism development. Additionally, further systematic research is recommended on other divisions in Fiji and in the South Pacific in general
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