The Role of Agro-tourism in Diversification of Rural Economy: A Case of Rural People Living Near Mufindi Tea and Timber Plantations Mufindi District – Iringa

Mwenyembegu , Franklin R. (2014) The Role of Agro-tourism in Diversification of Rural Economy: A Case of Rural People Living Near Mufindi Tea and Timber Plantations Mufindi District – Iringa. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This research took place in Mufindi District at Iringa region. The main objective of the study was to explore the role of agro-tourism in rural economy in Mufindi District were three villages namely Kibao mlimani, Lugoda and Igowole were choosen. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. Purposive sampling was used to select the villages as the representatives of the study. The study sample involved 100 respondents from local communities, local farmers, tourist, and key informants. Findings show that an agro-tourism sector is very important in diversifying economy of rural people in Mufindi. Majority of respondents in Mufindi rural areas benefit from agro-tourism directly or indirectly. The study revealed that about 68.7% of the respondents are participants of agro- tourism and mainly involves farms workers, guides, entrepreneurs and hotel workers whereas about 33.1% are non-participants of agro-tourism and this includes local communities who are doing business. The study depicts that agro-tourism is a driving force in the diversification of rural economy. The study revealed that agro-tourism in Mufindi District face some limitation such as language barrier, accommodation facilities for tourist, infrastructure, tourism experts, and policies. The study therefore recommends the following measures to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and Mufindi District Council to provide training on agro-tourism entrepreneurship skills to local community, to amend tourism policy to recognize agro-tourism, initiate agro-tourism projects as well as marketing and promotion agro-tourism as tool for diversifying economy.

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