Tourism–agriculture linkages in rural South Africa: evidence from the accommodation sector

Abstract

This paper explores issues in the development of linkages between tourism and agriculture in developing world situations, a key challenge for pro-poor tourism. It contributes to the limited literature on food sourcing by tourism accommodation establishments by analysing tourism–agriculture linkages in the food supply chains of 80 luxury African safari lodges (ASLs) in rural South Africa. The results disclose important constraints on the establishment and strengthening of local linkages relating to lack of local production quality, consistency and volume required by ASLs. The role of transport, wholesale intermediaries and the rapid turnover of ASL procurement managers is also shown. Price was not a major factor, and contrary to some claims, most ASLs are not foreign owned or staffed by foreign chefs unused to local produce. Positive trends include rising South African food quality and variety, increasing niche market production and increasing tourist interest in fair trade and local foods. For policy intervention, the greatest significance is the failure of many local community initiatives, and the need for training, capacity building and support for local producers to enter the food supply chains. The key need, however, is to overcome poor communication and deep mistrust between food supply decision-makers and local producers.

南非乡村地区的旅游和农业的联系：从住宿行业中所得的证据

发展和加强旅游和农业间的关联是扶贫旅游的主要挑战。该文章讨论了旅游住宿行业设立而需要的食物采购模式。这在发展世界中的已存的有限的学术研究中作出贡献。文章分析了在南非的乡村地区，豪华的非洲野生动物旅游度假住宿的食品供应链中的旅游和农业间的联系。结论显示了一些普通的主题和通过观察发现的一些不同点。为了建立或加强当地联系而最重要的限制与当地供应商无法提供住宿运营商需要的质量，一致性和产品的数量有关。政策方面的调节是对解决现有的不足的交流水平，和食物采购决策者和当地供应商之间较深的不信任关系，最重要的帮助。其他需要的政策考虑包括接待能力的建设和支持小型供应商加入食物供应链。

Keywords:

• linkages
• tourism
• agriculture
• pro-poor development
• accommodation
• luxury safari lodges
• South Africa

关键词:

• 联系
• 旅游
• 农业
• 住宿
• 豪华野生动物旅游住宿
• 南非

Acknowledgements

Thanks are due to the comments received from three anonymous referees on an earlier version of this paper. The considerable inputs of the research interviews conducted by Holly Hunt are acknowledged. Wendy Job of the School of Geography, Environment Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, prepared the accompanying figures. Research funding was from the National Research Foundation, Pretoria, and University of Johannesburg. Usual disclaimers apply.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Christian M. Rogerson

Christian M. Rogerson is a Professor in the School of Tourism & Hospitality, Faculty of Management, University of Johannesburg. Current research interests are on issues of small enterprise development, local economic development and business linkages in tourism.